Thread: Thailand faces chaos from Jagat coin hunt

Thailand has become the latest country affected by the popular 'Jagat Coin Hunt' game, an Indonesian-created application where users engage in virtual treasure hunts across various locations.


Police in major Thai provinces have issued alerts, warning users that their attempts to hunt for coins could lead to trespassing on private properties and legal consequences.


Cybercrime police are investigating the ‘Jagat’ application, through which users can play the “Jagat Coin Hunt” game, which involves players searching for and collecting coins to exchange for cash, to ensure that no Thai laws are being broken.


Pol Lt-Gen Trairong Phiwpan, commissioner of the Cybercrime Investigation Bureau, said today that he has ordered an investigation in Phuket, one of the five locations where the ‘Jagat’ platform has been activated, because he in concerned that the game, especially the coin hunt feature, could pose a threat to life and property.


The other four areas are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pattaya.


The platform allows its users to stay connected with family and friends in real time. What makes this platform unique, though, is the coin hunt feature.


According to the police, the cash prizes for a bronze coin range from 500 to 2,000 baht, a silver coin wins 20,000 baht and a gold one can fetch up to 200,000 baht.


Police say two teenagers were recently found searching for ‘Jagat’ coins in Phuket and were briefly detained by the police for questioning. They were released without charge.


Pol Lt-Gen Trairong said, though, that coin hunters could face trespass charges if they enter other people’s property or restricted areas without permission in their search for the coins.


According to Thai law, trespassers can face a jail term of up to five years and/or a fine not exceeding Bt100,000.


In Chonburi, coin hunters searched a construction site near a beach, leaving the area untidy and scattered while In Chiang Mai, police were alerted to individuals trespassing onto private properties during their coin hunts.

‘Jagat’ has gone viral on social media in Indonesia, especially on TikTok.


An Indonesian researcher at the Centre of Economic and Law Studies, Rani Septya, noted that innovations integrating game play with augmented reality, like the ‘Jagat’ Coin Hunt, are not entirely new.


She cited Pokémon Go, another app, which became a global phenomenon a few years ago.


From an economic perspective, she said the game’s popularity highlights the high level of interest among Indonesians in generating additional income.


According to the Jakarta Post on January 13, the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex was crowded with coin hunters over the past week, causing damage to several public facilities in the complex, including plants, paving blocks and lamp posts, as the hunters searched.

The management of the sports complex has asked the application’s developer to remove any virtual coin locations from the complex.

Thailand faces chaos from Jagat coin hunt

Pattaya Residents Go Nuts For New Mobile Coin for Cash Hunting Application But Police Express Trespassing Concerns

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.

Pattaya Residents Go Nuts For New Mobile Coin for Cash Hunting Application But Police Express Trespassing Concerns - The Pattaya News

Cyber Police Warn Against Jagat Coin Hunt App Over Legal Risks and Possible Gambling Law Violations

On January 22nd, 2025, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwpan, the Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), issued a warning about the “Jagat Coin Hunt” app. Initial investigations suggest the app may violate laws regarding unauthorized prize-based gambling.


The CCIB is working with the Ministry of Interior to confirm whether the app’s operators sought permission for its activities. Preliminary financial investigations reveal prize money was transferred from three bank accounts in northern Thailand, registered under Thai nationals.


While no direct links to call center scams or other cybercrimes have been found, account holders will be summoned for questioning, stated Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong.

Concerns have also been raised about the app’s access to personal data and GPS tracking, potentially risking data breaches. Additionally, the coin hunt missions may encourage criminal behavior, such as trespassing or property damage, as players search for coins in private areas.

Users are advised to exercise caution and educate minors about the risks associated with using the app.

Thai Cyber Police Warn Against Jagat Coin Hunt App Over Legal Risks and Possible Gambling Law Violations - The Pattaya News

"I'm just out Jagat coin hunting for a few hours, should be back by dawn."


Do ya reckon it could work?

Originally Posted by PlanK

Do ya reckon it could work?

Ah the ole PokéWomen GO gambit