The telecom regulator says it does not see the need to pursue a previous request for <i>Pokemon Go</i> developer Niantic Inc to set four no-go zones for players in Thailand, now that the augmented reality mobile game's popularity is in decline.
"We will no longer ask the US-based firm to set up restricted areas here, as Niantic has remained silent after our request the past few weeks," said Takorn Tantasith, secretary-general of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
In addition, the number of daily active users and time spent are decreasing, he said without providing precise statistics.
Mr Takorn said the regulator has received few complaints about concerns over the game's security through its call centre number 1200, compared with the number of complaints immediately after the launch.
But he said the NBTC will be pleased if Niantic follows its request to set up no-go zones, saying the restrictions would be a crucial element in governing the augmented reality mobile game industry in the future.
The Pokemon Go craze hit Thailand in early August, along with 14 other countries in Asia-Pacific, amid several reports of accidents and inappropriate acts, including trespassing by players around the world since the game launched on July 1.
Many players are so obsessed with catching the monsters that they lose track of where they are heading, prompting a number of public places to ban the game.
Last month the NBTC asked Niantic to set up four no-go zones to prevent players from entering restricted or dangerous areas. The four areas include state property, temples, private land and dangerous areas such as roads, waterways and railways. Players would sometimes wander into these areas, incurring the wrath of property owners and state agency caretakers.
Niantic replied to the telecom regulator via fax on Aug 26 agreeing to open negotiations. Niantic assigned its Thai legal representative Baker & McKenzie to discuss the measures with the NBTC.
A preliminary talk between Niantic's representatives and the NBTC was held on Sept 6, but failed to reach a resolution.
"There have been no subsequent signals from Niantic that it intends to settle the issue," Mr Takorn said.
However, police claim they are arresting motorists and pedestrians who play Pokemon Go on 10 major roads in Bangkok, allegedly to reduce accidents caused by the game. They have released no figures of either arrests or accidents.
Players can also face fines of up to 1,000 baht for engaging in risky behaviour.