Thailand Arena of Valor Team Withdraws From SEA Games 2025 After Disciplinary Ruling

The Thailand Women’s Arena of Valor national team has officially withdrawn from the 33rd SEA Games Thailand 2025 following a disciplinary ruling issued by esports authorities. The decision stems from a confirmed rules violation involving a member of the Thai squad during the Women’s Arena of Valor competition.

The ruling was jointly announced by the Thailand National Olympic Committee and the Thailand Esports Association, underscoring strict enforcement of competitive integrity at the multi-sport event.

Thailand Arena of Valor Team Withdraws SEA Games 2025 After Rules Violation

According to an official statement released on December 15, 2025, Thai athlete WARASIN NAPHAT (in-game name Tokyogurl) was found to have violated Item 9.4.3 of the Esports Technical Handbook during Game 1 of the Women’s Upper Bracket Final against Vietnam.

Following a comprehensive investigation, tournament officials concluded that the violation involved the use of unauthorized third-party software or illegal game interference, commonly referred to as modding. Officials stated that the evidence was conclusive.

Disciplinary Action and Final Ruling

As a result of the confirmed violation, WARASIN NAPHAT received an individual penalty of expulsion from the entire esports competition at the SEA Games 2025. The ruling applies across all esports titles at the event and was declared final and non-appealable.

The decision was formally signed and announced by Joebert Lopez Yu, Esports Technical Delegate of the 33rd SEA Games.

TALON Esports Terminates Player Contract

In a related development, TALON Esports released an official statement confirming the immediate termination of WARASIN NAPHAT’s contract. The organization stated that the decision followed an internal review and was made in alignment with the SEA Games ruling, reaffirming TALON’s commitment to competitive integrity and professional standards.

Impact on the Women’s Arena of Valor Tournament

Following the disciplinary outcome, the Thailand Women’s Arena of Valor team officially withdrew from the remainder of the tournament.

As a result:

• Thailand’s Lower Bracket Final match against Lao PDR was recorded as a forfeit

• Lao PDR advances to the Grand Final

• Vietnam will compete for the Gold Medal

• Timor-Leste is awarded the Bronze Medal

A Turning Point at SEA Games 2025

The withdrawal marks a significant moment in the Women’s Arena of Valor competition at SEA Games 2025, highlighting the event’s zero-tolerance stance on rule violations and its emphasis on fair play within international esports competition.

The incident reinforces the growing regulatory maturity of esports at multi-sport events and the importance of compliance with technical and ethical standards.