Bangkok: A transgender influencer known for her provocative photos has been sentenced to 8 months in prison for promoting a gambling website through her social media platform.
According to Thai News Agency, the influencer, identified as Mr. Aranya, also known as Iris, was arrested by cyber police following a directive from Pol. Maj. Gen. Siriwat Deepo, Commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau 1. The order was part of an intensified crackdown on online gambling during the FIFA World Cup 2026, under the policy of Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Prembutra. The focus was particularly on social media influencers who create content promoting gambling sites.
Following complaints from the public, officers discovered an Instagram account with over 55,000 followers posting stories featuring a woman in revealing attire. These posts included invitations to gamble online, complete with a link to a gambling website. Pol. Col. Runglert Kanthachan, Commander of Division 1, Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau 1, ordered a team led by Pol. Lt. Col. Chokchai Saengyoo to gather evidence and identify Mr. Aranya as the account owner.
Mr. Aranya, aged 21, confessed to the charges during questioning, admitting he had been hired to create content promoting online gambling websites for over a year. He was subsequently arrested and charged under the Gambling Act of 1935 for advertising and soliciting gambling. Although initially sentenced to 8 months, his confession led to a reduced sentence of 4 months detention without suspension.
Police are continuing to investigate the gambling websites promoted by Mr. Aranya to apprehend others involved in the scheme. The cyber police have also issued a warning to other influencers, emphasizing that rigorous investigations will continue and anyone found promoting online gambling will face legal consequences.