BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thai cyber police have arrested a former Muay Thai champion accused of masterminding a massive illegal online gambling network that generated over 100 million baht in just three years.
High-stakes operation targets online gambling empire
The crackdown, code-named Operation Knock Out 100-Million Gambling Website, was led by Police Colonel Chatchapandhakan Klaiklueng, Deputy Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB). Investigators spent months tracing suspicious online financial transactions before uncovering a sophisticated network tied to a popular illegal gambling site.
According to police, the site had processed more than 100 million baht (approximately €2.5 million) in transactions during its operation. The trail eventually led to a well-known figure in Thailand’s sporting community — a former Muay Thai Super Flyweight 115-Pound Champion, known in the ring as Puenkon Tor Surat.
Nationwide raids and multiple arrests
Coordinated raids were carried out across nine locations in the provinces of Chonburi and Lamphun, and the coastal town of Saen Suk. Eight suspects were arrested in total, including administrators, financial handlers, and website operators. Officers seized ATM cards, mobile phones, bank books, and computers believed to have been used in the illegal operation.
In Chonburi, police detained the former champion Weerapong, alias Puenkon Tor Surat, along with six alleged associates. Two female administrators were taken into custody in Lamphun as part of the same investigation.
From the ring to the crime scene
During questioning, Weerapong reportedly confessed to running the gambling platform for more than three years. He told investigators that the scheme began as a small side business. After retiring from Muay Thai, it became his main source of income.
Just a few years ago, Weerapong was celebrated as one of Thailand’s leading Muay Thai athletes. He held the Super Flyweight title, was named “Boxer of the Year” in 2016, and received the national award for Outstanding Male Muay Thai Fighter on Muay Thai Day.
Police issue strong warning on digital gambling crimes
Colonel Chatchapandhakan emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, rejecting any idea that they were minor offences.
“EVEN IF SOME CALL IT EXTRA INCOME, OPERATING OR SUPPORTING ONLINE GAMBLING PLATFORMS IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE,”
he said. The CCIB will continue to pursue all those involved — from money launderers to organizers — as part of Thailand’s broader push to suppress online gambling and cybercrime.
Legal repercussions and next steps
All suspects face charges of operating illegal online gambling services and money laundering without authorization. Police said the former boxer’s case underscores how lucrative digital gambling networks have become and how sports figures can be drawn into illicit digital economies.
While the investigation is ongoing, Weerapong’s arrest marks a dramatic fall from grace — from national sports hero to accused mastermind of a criminal enterprise.
• Operation Knock Out dismantled the network across multiple provinces
• Over 100 million baht in illegal transactions traced
• Eight suspects arrested, including the former boxing champion
• Police vow to pursue remaining accomplices and related money-laundering cases