The announcement was made at a provincial committee meeting chaired by Vice-Governor Panlop Singhasanee yesterday (April 8).
Speaking at the meeting, V/Gov Panlop said, “The governor [Nisit Jansomwong] is very concerned about this matter. He has stressed that the committee must check each shop strictly before approving a licence.
“It is now the school holidays, and children like to use cyber cafes and game shops during this time.
“Some children may spend a whole day in these places, and we̕re aware that some shops allow the kids to view inappropriate content and also sell alcohol.
“They also try to hide what they are doing inside shops by closing the windows with curtains or covering them with thick black film.”
According to the Motion Pictures and Video Act 2008:
-
Game shops must be in a permanent building in a safe location
-
The interior must be visible from the outside
-
The operator must install electric short circuit safety systems and CCTVs, and there should be at least one fire extinguisher on each floor
-
Walking space must be enough for all customers and a proper restroom must be provided
There are also certain conditions which must be met such as:
-
The equipment used for playing games must be safe for the eyes
-
Noise levels must be controlled as per the law
-
Alcohol, cigarettes and drugs cannot to be sold in the shop
-
Smoking, drug taking and drinking alcohol are not permitted
-
Any gambling is illegal
-
The operator of the shop must control the media content available
-
Videos not approved by the NCPO, porography and films not suitable for those under 20 are not allowed
It was revealed at the meeting that the three game shops that had their licenses revoked were Games Internet, PK Net and T & L Computer.
They were revoked because the interiors were not visible from the outside.
In addition, nine karaoke shops could possibly have their licences revoked and this will be discussed at a meeting being held today (April 9).