These days it isn't unusual to see groups of various ages gathering to play "Pokemon Go" at department stores and other public places in Thailand. The widely popular smartphone game debuted here, and in many other Asia-Pacific countries, in early August.
Word spread among the Thai gaming community and, when paired with a global media craze, "Pokemon Go"made it to the top of the local downloads chart. Adoration for the Japan-born cartoon characters also helped, they've been popular among Thai children for decades.
In Thailand, mobile giant True Corp. has been granted a license to manage the game, which is owned by U.S.-based company Niantic. An executive of True Corp., Birathon Kasemsri, says "Pokemon Go" can help build a harmonious community as the game's fans gather with the same goal of catching its little monsters.