Thailand Denies Mistreating Gambling Tycoon Amid Extradition Battle

Thailand has strongly denied allegations of mistreatment against She Zhijiang, a gambling tycoon detained in Bangkok and currently fighting extradition to China. She, accused of operating illegal online gambling networks across Southeast Asia, claims the charges are politically motivated and alleges inhumane treatment in Thai custody.

Claims of Abuse in Thai Custody

She Zhijiang, originally from China, stated through his lawyers in a letter to Interpol that he has endured violent treatment in Thai prison, leaving him unable to stand. His claims of “inhumane treatment” have sparked international attention, raising questions about prison conditions in Thailand.

Thai Justice Minister Denies Allegations

Thai Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong refuted these accusations during a press briefing in Bangkok. “Our conduct towards him is like others [inmates], with regular access to lawyers,” Tawee affirmed. He also emphasized that prisons are equipped with security cameras to prevent abuse and ensure transparency, denying any mistreatment of She.

However, Tawee did not directly address another claim made in the same letter. She’s lawyers alleged that Chinese embassy officials visited him in prison without his consent to pressure him into returning to China.

Extradition Battle Continues

She Zhijiang’s legal troubles began in 2022 when he was arrested in Bangkok on an international warrant issued by Interpol at the request of China. A Thai court approved his extradition to China in 2023, but She has since appealed the decision, prolonging the legal process.

Adding to the complexity, Cambodia has also filed an extradition request for She, who holds Cambodian citizenship. Thai Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong confirmed that Thailand’s Appeal Court will make the final decision regarding She’s extradition.

Business Ties and Alleged Crimes

She Zhijiang is reportedly the chairman of Yatai International Holdings Group, a company with significant gambling investments in Cambodia, the Philippines, and Myanmar. One of his most prominent projects is the Shwe Kokko casino, entertainment, and tourism complex in Myanmar, valued at $15 billion.

China’s Foreign Ministry has labeled She a “key figure in online gambling and telecom fraud crimes,” asserting that the evidence against him is “conclusive.”

Gambling Legislation in Thailand

Thailand’s gambling laws have historically been stringent, with the Gambling Act of 1935 serving as the primary legislation prohibiting most forms of gambling. Under this act, only two types of gambling are legally permitted: betting on horse races and participation in the state-run lottery. All other gambling activities, including casinos and online gambling, have been illegal. Despite these prohibitions, illegal gambling has been widespread, with underground casinos and betting operations flourishing across the country. The government has periodically attempted to curb these illicit activities, but enforcement challenges have persisted.

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the government’s stance toward gambling. In January 2025, the Thai Cabinet approved a draft bill aimed at legalizing casinos within designated “entertainment complexes.” These complexes are envisioned to include hotels, convention centers, shopping malls, and theme parks, with the goal of boosting tourism and stimulating economic growth. The proposed legislation includes measures such as age restrictions, with only individuals over 20 years old allowed entry, and an entrance fee of 5,000 baht for Thai citizens, while foreigners would have free access. The bill is currently under review and will be submitted to Parliament for further deliberation and voting.

Public opinion on the legalization of gambling in Thailand remains divided. A survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration found that 69% of respondents opposed online gambling, and 59% disapproved of establishing entertainment complexes with casinos. Despite these concerns, proponents argue that legalizing gambling could generate significant revenue, create jobs, and reduce illegal gambling activities. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been a vocal advocate for legalization, suggesting that regulated online gambling alone could yield up to 100 billion baht in annual government revenue.

Illegal Gambling in Thailand

Illegal gambling remains a significant challenge in Thailand, with numerous cases highlighting the pervasive nature of this underground industry. In August 2024, Thai authorities arrested three Chinese nationals for operating an illegal online casino that had a turnover exceeding 5.5 billion baht (approximately $161 million). The operation also included a fraudulent call center, underscoring the multifaceted nature of such illicit enterprises. This incident was part of a broader crackdown on transnational criminal networks exploiting digital platforms within Thailand.

Corruption within law enforcement has further complicated efforts to combat illegal gambling. In December 2024, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission initiated an investigation into former national police chief Torsak Sukvimol, known as “Big Tor,” for alleged involvement in money laundering linked to an online gambling network called “BNK Master.” His former deputy, Surachate Hakparn, or “Big Joke,” faced similar allegations, though no official charges were filed against him. These high-profile cases underscore the deep-rooted challenges within the Royal Thai Police and the difficulties in eradicating illegal gambling operations when corruption is involved.

Foreign-operated illegal gambling rings have also been uncovered within Thailand’s borders. In December 2024, a raid in Pattaya led to the arrest of 13 South Korean nationals who were running an online gambling platform from a rented property. The sophisticated operation involved over 40 computers and served more than 20,000 users worldwide, primarily targeting South Korean gamblers but accessible to players globally who understood Korean. This case highlights the international dimension of illegal gambling in Thailand and the country’s ongoing struggle to prevent foreign criminal groups from exploiting its territory for such activities.

Broader Issues of Cross-Border Crime

She Zhijiang’s case has highlighted the growing concerns over cross-border criminal activities in Southeast Asia, particularly in border regions shared by Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. The United Nations has identified these areas as hubs for telecom and online scams, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked into working in fraudulent operations within these regions.

Related Trafficking Cases

The situation brings to light broader human trafficking issues. Earlier this week, Beijing police announced the detention of a suspect linked to a high-profile case involving a Chinese actor. The actor was deceived into traveling to Thailand under the pretense of a film job, only to be trafficked to Myanmar. This case underscores the increasing vulnerabilities to scams and trafficking in the region.

The Path Ahead

As She Zhijiang’s legal battles continue, Thailand’s Appeal Court holds the key to determining his fate. With multiple countries vying for his extradition and accusations of political motivations and mistreatment, this case remains a focal point in discussions on international crime and extradition laws.

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