Chaos Erupts in Thailand as 'Jagat Coin Hunt' Sparks Trespassing Risks

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Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

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.

 

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.

 

The Cybercrime Investigation Bureau, led by Pol Lt-Gen Trairong Phiwpan, has launched an investigation to ensure the game complies with Thai laws, amid concerns that its coin hunt feature might pose risks to life and property.

 

The game lures players with attractive monetary rewards, offering between 500 to 2,000 baht for bronze coins, 20,000 baht for silver, and up to 200,000 baht for gold.

 

Picture courtesy: ThaiPBS

 

This promise of profit has driven 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 addition to privacy concerns, 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 notable 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 urge participants to exercise caution and respect for private and public property, reported ThaiPBS.

 

-- 2025-01-23