Pokemon Go, a global smash-hit augmented-reality mobile game, could face restrictions in Thailand after security authorities and the national telecom regulator voiced safety concerns.
The move came after complaints and warnings over the dangers of playing the game in unsafe and inappropriate areas just two days after the game was launched in Thailand on Saturday, swiftly gaining huge popularity among Thai players.
State agencies will consider whether the game harms security and causes public danger, said Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
Meanwhile, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has called in major telecoms operators to discuss possible controls related to the gaming app, such as designated play zones, to keep players out of trouble and protect the rights of non-players.
Operators called into today's meeting in Bangkok are TrueMove, Advanced Info Service, Total Access Communication, TOT and CAT Telecom.
NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said the talks were necessary because players would be travelling on pavements and roads and could enter unfamiliar locations while playing the game.
"We must set down proper measures to ensure the safety of players while protecting the rights of people who are not playing the game," he said.
Mobile phone operators should alert Pokemon Go players of possible dangers.
They must be told to remain aware of their surroundings at all times and to be in the company of friends while going to unfamiliar places, Mr Takorn said.
Deputy police spokesman Krisana Pattanacharoen yesterday also warned that those playing Pokemon Go at the wheel could face charges of using mobile phones while driving, as they could cause accidents.
Some netizens have already reported having road accidents because of players failing to observe safety rules.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police Bureau's division 9 has been working on measures to prevent Pokemon Go-related crime after a signal identifying a Pokemon's location was believed to have been released by a suspicious group of men to lure players.
The move came after Bang Khunthian police was alerted to the incident by a male teenager, who was also a Pokemon Go player, on Sunday about 11pm.
The suspicious group, of about eight men, escaped when they spotted police.
The teenager informed police that while he was playing the game, the signal Lure Module, informing players of a Pokemon's location, appeared on his mobile phone.
However, after he and other players reached the scene, they decided to leave the location and called police as they spotted the group of suspicious men.