Pokemon ‘no go’ talks set

The first round of negotiations between the telecom regulator and representatives of Pokemon Go developer Niantic over the removal of sensitive locations from the game’s scope will take place next Tuesday in Bangkok.

After keeping silent for weeks, last Friday Niantic replied to a request from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) via fax, agreeing to open negotiations over the regulator’s request to set “no-go zones” for players in Thailand.

The US-based Niantic has assigned representatives from international law firm Baker & McKenzie (Thailand) to hold preliminary talks with the regulator.

NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said the regulator has appointed deputy secretary-general Korkij Danchaivichit to lead discussions with Baker & McKenzie.

“We also plan to invite representatives of True Corporation to participate in the talks,” said Mr Takorn.

True Content and Media, a subsidiary of True Corporation, won the exclusive rights to market and sell Pokemon items and develop a localised version of Pokemon Go. True also holds the exclusive rights to all information released in the country through its collaboration with Niantic.

Mr Takorn said that while True is not the owner of the augmented reality mobile game Pokemon Go in Thailand, the company can offer support and provide useful information during the discussions.

He added that setting no-go zones for players in Thailand might take time as Niantic needs to update its computer program and content-control software as well as handle unexpected technical difficulties.

The NBTC sent an electronic letter to Niantic on Aug 11, asking it to set four no-go zones for players in Thailand in order to keep them out of restricted or dangerous areas. The four areas encompass state property, temples, private land and dangerous areas such as roads, waterways and railways.