No Go for Pokemon players in Thailand

Augmented reality mobile game Pokémon Go has attracted a huge fan base in Thailand since its launch there on August 6.

However, there’s been a rise in the number of road accidents and general recklessness, following the game's release. Some pedestrians playing the game become so distracted they start walking off cliffs.

And game-playing motorists have severely hampered traffic flow and often rammed into other cars.

The Pokémon Go phenomenon provides hours of entertainment and joy for many of its players, but they are neglecting their personal safety and the safety of others.

So, what’s the Thai government to do?  Set up a "Pokémon Buster" squad, that's what!

The squad is made up of a team of Police officers equipped with mobile phone cameras, who patrol some of Bangkok's busiest roads. Those caught playing while driving, or even playing dangerously when walking, will be fined up to 1000 baht (which is around $AUD 38). It doesn’t sound like much, but it could add up over time.

During a press conference, Bangkok's Traffic Police Colonel, Veeravit Vatchanapukka, said that their intention is not to make arrests but to ensure that Thai people are playing the game safely and not endangering lives.

So, the fun police are really just trying to raise awareness here. Will this crackdown curb the enthusiasm of players?  Let’s hope they learn that safety is the way to go.

Image: EPA