Key Moments:
- Thailand’s Appeal Court has upheld an order for SHE Zhijiang’s extradition to China, citing large-scale illegal gambling allegations
- Authorities link Zhijiang to over 239 casino websites with reported cash flows of 2.78 trillion yuan ($32.3 billion)
- The extradition order arrives shortly after Thailand’s assurance to China that it will not pursue casino legalization
Court Ruling Finalizes Extradition Process
Thailand’s Appeal Court has confirmed its directive for the extradition of SHE Zhijiang, a Chinese-Cambodian national accused by authorities of running major illegal gambling operations that targeted Chinese citizens. The court’s recent decision, which upholds a previous judgment by the Criminal Court, mandates his transfer to the People’s Republic of China within a 90-day period once the verdict is final.
Investigators allege that Zhijiang served as a leading figure in the gambling sector, overseeing and managing more than 239 casino-related websites. Law enforcement estimates the cash flow from these operations at approximately 2.78 trillion yuan ($32.3 billion).
Connections to Major Projects and Controversies
Authorities have also linked Zhijiang to the Asia Pacific New City project in Myanmar’s Shwe Kokko Special Economic Zone. The development, which reportedly housed several casino complexes, has come under scrutiny due to suspicions that it supported online gambling and activities tied to fraud.
Thailand has approved the extradition of She Zhijiang (also known as Xu Zhixiang) to China, a major step in regional efforts to dismantle transnational crime networks.
She, a Chinese-born businessman who also holds a Cambodian passport, built a vast empire of illegal online… pic.twitter.com/uVmysX6ZCo
— Jacob in Cambodia 🇺🇸 🇰🇭 (@jacobincambodia) November 11, 2025
Legal Pathways and Government Collaboration
Zhijiang challenged the extradition order by arguing that certain parts of the Extradition Act were unconstitutional. Nevertheless, Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled unanimously on 22 October 2025 that the legislation did not contravene constitutional principles. The Appeal Court subsequently maintained the extradition mandate on 10 November 2025, thereby removing the final legal barrier.
China initiated its request for Zhijiang’s provisional arrest in August 2022, referencing Thailand’s Extradition Act B.E. 2551 (2008). Thailand’s Office of the Attorney-General reviewed and accepted the request, coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Royal Thai Police, which resulted in Zhijiang’s detention. By November 2022, prosecutors asked the Criminal Court to proceed with the extradition, and the court ordered his continued detention.
The proceedings are taking place under the 1993 Extradition Treaty between Thailand and China, illustrating increased collaboration between the countries in combating transnational crime. Thai agencies, including the Department of Corrections and Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, are now working with the Chinese embassy for an efficient extradition.
| Key Entities Involved | Role |
|---|---|
| Thailand’s Office of the Attorney-General | Central authority for extradition processes |
| Department of Corrections | Oversees detention and transfer logistics |
| Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs | Coordinates legal aspects of extradition |
| Chinese Embassy | Liaison on extradition and diplomatic matters |
Diplomacy and Changing Policy Landscape
The court decision comes amid heightened diplomatic discussions. During the recent ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reportedly reassured Chinese President Xi Jinping that Thailand would not advance casino legalization initiatives. This stance aims to address China’s concerns regarding gambling-related fraud and associated criminal activities targeting its citizens.
Official data demonstrates a 34 percent decrease in Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand in the first half of the year, dipping to 2.26 million visitors. As tourism accounts for around 12 percent of Thailand’s gross domestic product, authorities are under notable pressure to rebuild trust without inciting social risks associated with gambling.
This approach diverges from a previous casino complex proposal backed by ex-prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. That plan was ultimately withdrawn in July 2025 following resistance from religious, academic, and civil society groups.
Broader Allegations and Ongoing Uncertainty
Zhijiang, who also holds Cambodian citizenship, has additionally been associated with the Dara Sakor development in Koh Kong province. Prosecutors allege his online operations served more than 330,000 users and led to financial damages surpassing 150 million yuan ($21 million). Uncertainty remains concerning the treatment Zhijiang may face upon extradition, as China has previously issued execution notices for those accused of running illegal casino operations.
- Author
Daniel Williams
