"Tokyogurl - Cheerio" openly admit wrongdoing, emphasize it as a costly lesson, and request to end their esports careers while seeking society's chance to move on with their lives.
On 17 Mar 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that the Pathumwan District Court sentenced Ms. Napat Warasin, known as Tokyogurl, 29, a former Thai national esports player, and Mr. Chaiyo, known as Cheerio, 23, a well-known gamer, each to six months imprisonment without suspension. They were charged with "jointly knowing the measures to prevent access to a computer system set up by others specifically, then improperly disclosing it in a way likely to cause damage to others, and jointly unauthorized access to computer data protected by access measures not meant for them" during the 33rd SEA Games esports competition hosted by Thailand on 15 Dec 2022.
Both defendants confessed, leading to a reduced sentence of three months each, converted to detention instead. They filed bail appeals to contest the case at the appellate court, as previously reported.
Recently, the court considered and ordered bail set at 24,000 baht each, granting temporary release without conditions, pending a decision on whether the appellate court will accept the case. After being granted bail, both appeared tense before immediately leaving the area in a relative's vehicle.
In a phone interview, Ms. Napat, or Tokyogurl, expressed her deep regret and apologized to the Esports Association of Thailand, teammates, and all athletes for the incident. Initially, while awaiting trial, her mental state improved, but after hearing today's verdict, she felt worse again. She admitted she has not yet dared to contact her teammates, coaches, or the association. Her only message is an apology because she feels very sorry.
Regarding her relationship with "Kong," she admitted they spoke initially and met again at court, where she apologized. She emphasized this incident is a major life lesson and confirmed she will not return to esports as she considers herself unsuitable. Additionally, her family, especially her grandmother, has been affected and worried by the media coverage, which saddens her greatly.
Tokyogurl also admitted to using inappropriate methods in some past competitions and had not dared to apologize publicly before due to fear of criticism. Today, she takes this opportunity to apologize to all parties, stating that if she gains enough courage in the future, she wishes to apologize personally to the association president and teammates. She asks society for a chance to continue living and vows not to repeat such behavior.
Regarding circulated photos showing "Kong" walking beside her, she clarified this is false; the man in the photo is her boyfriend, who is not involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chaiyo, or "Kong," who impersonated a player in the competition, also spoke by phone, expressing regret and accepting responsibility for the incident. He apologized to society and explained his delayed apology was because "Tokyogurl" initially did not want the information disclosed, and his family advised trusting the employer who found him jobs. Later, he decided to apologize following advice from those around him. He said he began impersonating players in 2025 by using screen-sharing software to let the employer watch gameplay while the employer spoke or communicated as if playing themselves.
His compensation was not a regular salary but covered expenses such as accommodation, food, and other costs. He confirmed he never accepted similar streaming jobs for others except for boosting ranks or acquiring in-game items. However, he admitted he is now worried because his actions are illegal. At that time, he faced financial problems and no income, so he accepted the job without considering future consequences or expecting legal prosecution.
Regarding his future, he believes his esports career is likely over and he may not be able to work in this field again. He is also uncertain about other job prospects.
"Kong" also warned younger people and streamers to think carefully and avoid illegal activities because the consequences are not worth the risk. He admitted he feared being caught from the start, especially in a SEA Games competition, but financial necessity led him to comply with the job instructions.
He also revealed that he briefly dated Tokyogurl for about one month, three to four years ago, before their relationship became strictly professional colleagues, with her as the one who found work for him.
In conclusion, "Kong" reiterated that this incident is a costly life lesson, and he hopes no one repeats the same mistakes.