GAMING SHOP ON LOCKDOWN

       By this month, it is likely that the Thai society will have a new law that curbs the servicing hours of online gaming shops for users of different age groups. This measure reflects yet another attempt by the government to solve the gaming addiction. 'Muse' asked you what your thoughts were on this time restriction regulation. Do you think the law can be effectively enforced? And will this really help to reduce the rising number of children addicted to games, and why? If not, then how do you suggest we solve the problem?Muse's PICK
       This is not the first time the government has tried to impose a law on the opening hours and age restrictions for online gaming shops. And I'm certain this is not the last. However, I hardly see the difference between the previous regulation to the new one. In my opinion, there is an overabundance of law but never enough management and implementation. There should be a system in which all online gaming shops must be registered in order to control the volume of shops, their hours of operation and hygiene, etc.
       "Still, I doubt whether this law will achieve its goal to cure online game addiction. We may see less children in these shops, but I'm afraid there will be underground online gaming shops immediately popping up, which will be extremely hard to manage.
       "My idea is the community should play a local policing role by forming community teams to inspect these shops and set up networks that will allow residents to file complaints. For curing the gaming addiction, you need more museums, libraries, parks and areas for playing sports, and a budget to hire staff to turn these places into something more fun to visit."
       BOONTHIP JAREECHAIYOTHIN,
       Corporate employee
       Ultimately, this (the government's decision to impose age-restriction for online gaming shops) tells businesses who they can or cannot do business with and at what hours. I do not think that the solution lies within discriminating against certain businesses. Otherwise, let's close restaurants after a certain hour because eating late leads to obesity. While we are at it, we need to restrict driving hours because carbon monoxide is bad for the environment.
       "The solution lies in enacting a curfew for children. Additionally, parents should take more responsibility in raising their own children and monitoring where they are at. Crime and mischief will be reduced, the gaming problem is resolved, and children will grow to be a more responsible and productive generation of people."
       NIMNUAL YAOSUNGNOEN,
       Nanny
       I welcome the new law. What's needed is more surveillance to control the opening hours of the gaming businesses as it seems to me anyone can open one if they have a vacant space and enough money to rent or buy several computers. In reality, there are many underground online gaming shops, which no one really knows what improper activities are being conducted.
       "But you need more than just law to address the online game addiction problem. The government needs to impose higher taxes or financial measures to make the price of time spent playing at an online gaming shop is more expensive than what children can afford, which will also cut down the amount of time at such shops."
       PORNTHIP BANCHERDPAIBOON,
       Businesswoman
       The curbing of the online game service hours to be initiated by the government is better than none at all. Although, it's like putting up a fence when the cows have already gone astray.
       "Restricting the time can place a limit on how long the children can spend at an internet shop each visit. Due to the ubiquitous shops in town, those who are indeed addicted to online games could hop from one shop to another.
       "Though the law can be enforced, which is one way of reducing the number of children becoming an addict of online gaming, it might not be so effective for the reason mentioned above.
       "A warm, loving and understanding parent should help guide their child to do something that is considered more productive and better for his/her health and future."
       LUCY T,
       Retiree
       Next week: With the endorsement from the State Council, it seems the Government Lottery Office is up for the online lottery scheme that would allow lottery players to buy tickets from vending machines. With surveys to examine the public's opinion on the project being conducted, 'Muse' asks you what you think of the project? Do you think the online lottery will win public approval and why? Will the online lottery help solve the problem of ticket overpricing and illegal underground betting and why? Send your
       answer along with name and profession to muse@bangkokpost.co.th by August 12. A little prize awaits the person who gives us our favourite answer.
       Relate Search: different age groups, Internet cafe