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Thailand’s Appeal Court has upheld the extradition order for She Zhijiang, a Chinese-Cambodian businessman accused of running one of the world’s largest illegal betting and casino empires. The ruling, delivered on 10 November 2025, confirmed that she will be handed over to Chinese authorities within 90 days once the decision becomes final.
According to investigators, she masterminded more than 239 casino websites targeting Chinese citizens, generating a staggering 2.78 trillion yuan (approximately $32.3 billion) in cash flow. The networks allegedly facilitated online gambling and money laundering operations across Southeast Asia, drawing international scrutiny and prompting Beijing to issue a formal extradition request in 2022.
The case stems from China’s crackdown on cross-border gambling, which officials claim has lured thousands of Chinese nationals into illegal online platforms. Acting upon Beijing’s request, the Office of the Attorney-General of Thailand coordinated with the Royal Thai Police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leading to her arrest in 2022. Prosecutors then petitioned the Criminal Court for extradition, a move the Appeal Court has now upheld after a lengthy legal battle.
She had appealed the decision, arguing that Thailand’s Extradition Act conflicted with the constitution. However, the Constitutional Court rejected his petition on 22 October 2025, paving the way for the Appeal Court to finalize the order. His extradition will proceed under the 1993 Extradition Treaty between Thailand and China, a key framework for bilateral cooperation against transnational crime.
Authorities allege that her operations extended beyond online gambling. He has been linked to the controversial Asia Pacific New City project in Myanmar’s Shwe Kokko Special Economic Zone, where casino complexes allegedly hosted fraud-related activities. She also holds Cambodian citizenship and is reportedly connected to the Dara Sakor development in Koh Kong province, a site frequently associated with cyber scams and illicit betting networks.
Chinese investigators accuse him of running online platforms with over 330,000 active users, causing financial damages estimated at more than 150 million yuan ($21 million). The case has become a symbol of China’s broader effort to dismantle offshore betting and casino networks targeting its citizens.
The timing of the ruling carries diplomatic weight. During the recent ASEAN Summit, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul assured Chinese President Xi Jinping that Thailand would not proceed with plans to legalize casinos. The statement followed earlier proposals from former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who had promoted casino-integrated entertainment complexes to attract foreign investment. Public backlash and religious opposition led to the plan’s withdrawal in mid-2025.
Thailand’s decision reflects growing alignment with Beijing’s anti-gambling stance as both nations work to curb financial crimes and protect citizens from exploitation. Analysts say the move could help restore Chinese confidence in Thailand’s tourism sector, which has seen arrivals drop 34 percent in the first half of 2025 to 2.26 million visitors.
As preparations begin for his transfer, questions remain over his fate once in Chinese custody. Rights groups have expressed concern over Beijing’s harsh sentencing record for individuals accused of major gambling offenses.
