Pattaya —
Coin-hunting app Jagat has caused quite a commotion in Pattaya, with users reportedly trespassing in private areas, damaging tourist spots, and creating confusion among tourists.
According to reports, the Jagat app, a coin-hunting application and social media connection application originally from Indonesia, has gained popularity among Thai teenagers, students, and workers. Users are invited to visit locations listed on the app to hunt for coins, which can then be exchanged for various prizes including cash rewards up to 200,00 Baht. However, concerned residents said the challenges posed by the app are starting to have an impact on local communities and public spaces in many tourist areas.
In Pattaya, for example, a large number of users have been hunting for coins at various locations. Some of these coins are hidden at tourist spots with limited operating hours, leading some hunters to allegedly trespass in these areas at unallowed times, allegedly causing inconvenience to business owners.
Moreover, coins have been hidden along Pattaya Beach, which caused confusion among tourists who are unaware of the game and alarmed to see people digging in the sand, trash cans, and other areas. This, the residents said, is negatively affecting Pattaya’s tourism image.
Both locals and business owners are calling for app users to be more responsible and urging relevant authorities to consider measures to regulate this activity and prevent further disruptions.
Meanwhile, Pattaya police have stated the app is not registered in Thailand and have cautioned users to also be aware of possible privacy issues. Many users have reported being rewarded thousands of Baht in prizes, however, and the app is as of press time the number one application in Thailand on the various mobile app stores as thousands of excited users become treasure hunters. As a note, the only current way to redeem coins for cash is with a Truemoney wallet, which is difficult to get for non Thai nationals and makes it more difficult as well for foreigners to participate.
The developers of the app have stated in the rules and regulations that coins will never be placed on private premises, coin hunting activities are shut off during nighttime hours, and coins will never be placed in dangerous locations or anywhere that requires destruction of property. The app developers have also urged users to respect the areas where they are searching for coins and to leave nothing behind but footprints, a similar statement in urban exploration.
The app is free but has received criticism from some users for the fact that although the coin hunt is free one only gets a wide general location where the coins are hidden. To further pinpoint the coins and get clues one needs to purchase tickets on the app, which is one of several ways the app monetizes.
Jagat has been incredibly popular in Malaysia and Indonesia with its coin hunts but they also received similar criticism, notes The Pattaya News. Coin hunts are also taking place in Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=–=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Join the discussion in our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/438849630140035/or in the comments below.
