Thank you for your comments, but I’d like to clarify a few points regarding my Wayspot submissions. If you take a moment to review the details in the https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10mHLl4PQ9ezuh5QWyrbQ1aWqtW-MIJ15?usp=sharing, you’ll find all the relevant information about my requests and rejections from Niantic, including descriptions in Thai.
I understand that many of you may not be familiar with the Thai language or the local context of the areas I submitted. This lack of understanding might have contributed to the rejection of 7 out of my 13 submissions. The locations I proposed include schools, temples, and recreational areas where our community regularly gathers for activities like playing badminton, football, running, and many more. In Thailand, especially in rural or suburban areas, these places often serve as our primary public spaces due to the lack of designated parks or recreational areas, unlike in other countries.
It’s frustrating to see that while many approved Wayspots I’ve encountered are not publicly accessible or are even in private areas that I cannot access, my valid requests continue to be denied. Some Wayspots were even placed in the middle of streets, which only adds to my doubts about the fairness and transparency of the review process. It seems that the reviewers are using their own country’s context to judge these submissions, which doesn’t apply to the realities in our local communities.
Additionally, Google Maps is not always up-to-date or accurate in these areas. Many of the locations I submitted are central to our community activities, such as schools, temples, and sports fields where people gather after work for recreational purposes. In our country, these places are commonly used because we often lack the dedicated recreation areas or parks found in other countries. Relying solely on Google Maps without understanding this local context can lead to misguided decisions. The local people who live here understand these areas better and can educate Google Maps, rather than the other way around.
What I find even more disappointing is being repeatedly directed to review the criteria as a solution to my concerns. This approach does not address the core issue or help resolve the problem I’m facing. It feels more like reiterating the rules than actually understanding and tackling the situation effectively. I expect Niantic to take concrete actions to ensure that the review process is fair and genuinely considers the unique context in which these submissions are made.
If Niantic continues to overlook these concerns and persists with this careless and unfair review process, it will drive me—and likely others—to reconsider our involvement with this game altogether. I urge you to put down any biases and consider the local context thoroughly, rather than relying too heavily on AI and incomplete digital tools. This isn’t just about following rules; it’s about understanding and embracing the diversity of the communities we play in.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I hope to see real improvements in the way these reviews are conducted.
