Former Muay Thai Champ Weerapong Caught Running 100 Million Baht Betting Ring in Thailand

hai authorities have arrested former Muay Thai champion Weerapong for allegedly operating a major illegal online gambling network that earned more than 100 million baht (around US$3 million) per year. The arrest was part of a large-scale cybercrime operation targeting unlicensed gambling platforms across Thailand.

Good to Know

• The illegal site g2g69bet reportedly generated over 100 million baht annually, approximately 3 million USD.
• Police arrested Weerapong and seven associates during coordinated raids
• Gambling remains illegal in Thailand except for state lotteries and horse racing

Who Is Weerapong?

The 28-year-old fighter, known professionally as Puenkon “Machine Gun” Tor Surat, was a celebrated Muay Thai boxer. He earned titles such as Fighter of the Year and Outstanding Professional Boxer at the 2016 National Muay Thai Day Ceremony.

After his fighting career declined, Weerapong reportedly turned to online gambling for income. He launched g2g69bet in 2022, initially as a side project that later became his main source of revenue. Once in police custody, he admitted to managing the site, according to reports from The Thaiger.

How Did Police Catch Him?

The arrest came after an investigation by the Thailand Cyber-Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), which noticed unusually high financial activity linked to the website. The sting, dubbed Operation “Knock Out 100 Million Baht Gambling Website,” led to nine simultaneous raids across Chon Buri and Lamphun provinces.

Police detained Weerapong and seven associates, seizing a trove of evidence including mobile phones, computers, ATM cards, and bank books. The coordinated raids were carried out under search warrants issued after tracing transactions connected to the illegal operation.

Police Major General Chatchapandhakan Klaiklueng confirmed the arrests and emphasized that investigators will continue pursuing all individuals involved. He said:

“Cyber-police will continue to track down everyone involved — from mule account holders and administrators to masterminds — to eradicate online crime networks.”

What Charges Does He Face?

All eight suspects are accused of organizing or promoting illegal gambling, which carries penalties of up to two years in prison and fines up to 2,000 baht. Authorities are also considering money laundering charges, which could add one to ten years in prison and fines ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 baht.

The CCIB stated that it continues to monitor digital financial flows and will expand investigations into connected accounts and funding networks.

What Is the Legal Status of Gambling in Thailand?

Under Thai law, almost all forms of gambling are prohibited, except for state-run lotteries and horse race betting. Despite frequent enforcement actions, illegal gambling sites remain widespread.

Efforts to liberalize gambling laws have faced resistance. Lawmakers recently rejected casino legislation, but discussions are ongoing about the Game Industry Act, a proposal aimed at regulating online social gaming.

Drafted earlier this year, the act seeks to manage monetization mechanics like loot boxes, gacha, and digital prize draws, which often blur the line between gaming and gambling.

FAQ

Who was arrested?

Former Muay Thai champion Weerapong, also known as Puenkon Tor Surat, was arrested for running an illegal gambling site.

What was the illegal site?

The site was called g2g69bet, which generated an estimated 100 million baht annually.

How did police catch him?

He was arrested in Operation Knock Out, a sting involving nine raids in Chon Buri and Lamphun provinces.

What penalties could he face?

Charges include up to two years in prison for gambling offenses and up to ten years for money laundering.

Is gambling legal in Thailand?

Only state lotteries and horse racing bets are legal; all other forms of gambling remain prohibited.

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