Thailand launches 'Pokémon Buster' squad to nab trainers who 'catch and drive'

Thailand's capital city of Bangkok is legendary for its gridlocked traffic, but it looks like things have taken a turn for the worse since Pokémon Go launched in the country on Aug. 6.

Following numerous complaints from residents about the reckless behaviour of both motorists and pedestrians while playing the augmented reality game and an increase in road accidents, the Thai government launched a crackdown on Sunday of players who disregard traffic rules, reports The Bangkok Post.

The "Pokémon Buster" squad is made up of 50 police officers who will patrol 10 of Bangkok's busiest roads, which are now no-go zones for Pokémon hunters.

According to the city's acting police chief, Sanit Mahathavorn, the "catchers of Pokémon catchers" will be using the their mobile phone cameras to record offenders flouting the rules.

Trainers who are caught engaging in risky behaviour such as running while using their phone or hindering traffic while driving carelessly, will face fines of up to 1,000 baht ($28). Pedestrians who play the game in an "inappropriate manner" will also face fines, but the authorities have yet to expand on what that constitutes.

Bangkok's traffic police colonel, Veeravit Vatchanapukka, told reporters during a press conference that their intention is not to make arrests but to ensure that Thais are playing the game safely and not endangering lives.

"We do not aim to arrest many people, instead we hope this programme will raise awareness with people about carelessness," he said.

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Demonstrating their zero tolerance to bad Pokémon Go-player behaviour, Bangkok police have already caught and issued fines to 12 people since the induction of its "Pokemon Traffic No Go" campaign.

Elsewhere in the region, authorities are also having to deal with the downsides to Pokémon Go. In Singapore, littering and illegal parking have been rife in Pokémon hotspots, leading to neighbourhood police having to step up when it comes to cleaning.

The island state also made its first Pokémon Go-related arrest on Aug. 14, when an altercation broke out between a motorist and pedestrian who was on the app while jaywalking.