Thailand Joins the 'Jagat Coin Hunt' Craze, but Authorities Issue Trespassing Warnings

Thailand has recently become embroiled in the 'Jagat Coin Hunt' craze, a virtual treasure hunt game from Indonesia that has enticed players into real-world locations in search of digital coins.

Thailand authorities issue warnings over ‘Jagat Coin Hunt’ gameIJagat, a virtual treasure hunt game from Indonesia, has recently sparked a ‘coin hunt’ craze in Thailand. Players are lured by the promise of monetary rewards, ranging from 500 to 200,000 baht, depending on the type of coin they find.

This pursuit has led some players to overstep boundaries, with incidents reported in Phuket where police temporarily detained two teenagers for trespassing during their hunt. They were released without charges, but authorities caution that future incidents could incur legal repercussions.

Thai law stipulates that trespassing can lead to penalties of up to five years in prison and fines not exceeding 100,000 baht.

In response to the game’s increasing presence in Thailand, the Cybercrime Investigation Bureau, headed by Pol Lt-Gen Trairong Phiwpan, has launched an investigation to ensure the game complies with Thai laws.

Authorities across major provinces, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Pattaya, have issued warnings to gamers, cautioning that the hunt for Jagat coins could inadvertently lead to unlawful trespassing on private property.

Among the concerns raised by Thai authorities is the potential for the coin hunt feature to pose risks to life and property.

The game also presents privacy challenges, as it requires players to scan their surroundings with their mobile phones, potentially capturing images of individuals or sensitive areas without their consent.

Moreover, the game has prompted chaos in public spaces. In Chonburi, coin seekers disrupted a construction site, while in Chiang Mai, there were reports of trespassing on private land.

Chonburi. Picture courtesy: ThaiPBS

Originally gaining popularity on social media platforms like TikTok in Indonesia, Jagat has drawn comparisons to Pokémon Go due to its augmented reality gameplay. Despite similar safety concerns, its economic appeal is undeniable, capturing attention by offering potential financial rewards.

The Jakarta Post noted recent disturbances at Indonesia’s Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex, where coin hunters caused significant damage. In response, the complex management has requested the removal of virtual coin locations from their premises.

As the Jagat Coin Hunt continues to spread, Thai officials, as reported by ThaiPBS, urge participants to exercise caution and respect for both private and public property.