Pokemon Go Might Be Banned In Thailand Over Sensitive Locations

Thailand has threatened Pokemon Go with a countrywide ban less than a week after Niantic released the game in Southeast Asia. The Bangkok Post reports that the country's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) formally requested that Niantic Labs remove Pokemon from certain areas before August 17th or face harsh penalties.

Specifically, the commission asked Niantic to remove all Pokemon, PokeStops and Pokemon gyms from temples, state properties, and dangerous areas such as roads, railways and waterways. The country sent Niantic four specific "no-go zones" to remove from the game. If Niantic doesn't comply, the NBTC said it would consider banning Pokemon Go from the entire country.

Niantic has already fielded requests from other organizations around the world to remove Pokemon Go from certain areas. Most recently, Niantic prevented Pokemon from spawning at the Hiroshima Memorial Park before the country's annual ceremony marking the anniversary of the city's atomic bombing during World War II.

While the NBTC has asked Niantic to remove Pokemon from four specific areas, Thailand isn't totally adverse to the popular mobile app. The country's legislative assembly noted that the game should be promoted at tourist destinations even while voicing concerns about Pokemon Go players entering sensitive areas.