Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and Information and Communication Technology Ministry (ICT) to work out regulations to control use of the gaming app Pokemon Go, government spokesman Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Tuesday.
Maj Gen Sansern said the prime minister was concerned about people's safety after Pokemon Go, a location-based augmented reality game, was launched in Thailand to immediate popularity.
Some players were nearly hit by cars as they concentrated more on their smartphones than anything else around them. Gen Prayut wanted the NBTC and ICT to come up with measures to keep people out of danger, he said.
"The prime minister said although Thailand does not have a law to control people playing such a game, he wants those agencies concerned to find measures to prevent possible accidents, probably by fixing play zones so that the players, drivers of vehicles and commuters can be sure of safety, since Thailand does not have the same culture of walking as Japan. Moreover, we have limited space for walking," the spokesman said.
Gen Prayut did not want to ban the game. He only wanted people to show self-control, otherwise the game could affect their work, study and way they relate with people around them.
Although the service provider said the game was intended to encourage players to go out and about, by doing so they could also end up in areas where they were at risk of attack by criminals. In some cases, they might unwittingly infringe on the rights of other people, he said.
"Gen Prayut wants parents to closely advise their children to be disciplined and wisely use their time and not to be addicted to anything in particular," Maj Gen Sansern added.
Responding to reports that some reporters and Government House officials had played the game in Government House, Maj Gen Sansern said they had been warned to keep away from government offices and restricted areas.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said Pokemon Go players should avoid military areas and important government installations.
The NBTC should talk over this matter with the service provider and consider what should be done to control use of the gaming app.
In Pattaya City, many Thai and foreign tourists appeared at department stores, beaches and other crowded places on Monday playing Pokemon Go, putting smiles on the faces of staff.
Some tourists hired cabs and motorcycles, travelling Pattaya roads looking for rare Pokemon characters. Mini-buses were also a popular choice of travel, as they were cheaper.
Children aged 12-15 were seen staying up late in the night at many places.