I have recently gotten back into photography, a hobby I’ve enjoyed off and on for most of my life.  Thailand is a great place for it, but there are things to be aware of.  Some of what I say here is speculative, while other things are not.  I’ll do my best to differentiate between the two.

First off, Thais are generally very tolerant of tourists taking photos.  Even so, I’ve noticed they can be very touchy about it in some circumstances, particularly when taking photos outside a common tourist frequented area.  According to the BF, if you are in a known tourist area, Thais expect it and will put up with most intrusions, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they like it.  They are just more accustomed to it and understand it comes with the territory.  Thus, even if they say nothing, your conduct may be offensive.

While this is not unique to Thailand, it’s always best to ask permission first, particularly when photographing people or their personal property, including homes and small businesses.  All you have to do is say “OK” and hold up your camera.  They will understand what you are asking and say either yes or no.

Leo tells me 99 percent of the people in Thailand understand the word “beautiful” and it is the best way to justify why you want to take the photo, should it appear necessary.  Thais usually don’t understand artistic photography, so if that is your thing, it may need justifying as something you think is “beautiful.”  They may think you have a screw loose, but as long as you think it’s beautiful, why not.

Photographing People

Thais are not big on candid photos of themselves.  They always like to look their best, and this extends to any pictures taken of them.  Thus, Thais much prefer posing for any photo taken of them, and that almost always comes with a big smile for the camera.  For this reason, it is very difficult to get candid shots, unless the subject is completely unaware.

This is speculation on my part, but I strongly suspect photographing males is more acceptable than it is for females.  I base this on the rules of conduct regarding touching.  As a general rule, male strangers should never touch a woman in Thailand, and I see photography as being similarly intrusive.  After writing about this I asked Princess for his opinion and he was inclined to agree.

Children are adored in Thailand, so much so that it is quite common for people to stop and demonstrate their affection for a stranger’s child.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not one to compare people with dogs.  That said, it is very much like people wanting to give attention to someone’s cute dog while out for a walk.  Children in Thailand are like little magnets.  People can’t resist stopping and showing their affection for them.  Thus, I’m inclined to believe photographing children, of either gender, is accepted.  I think this is particularly true when the child is doing something cute, like playing in a water fountain, or chasing after the pigeons in a public park.  Again, I asked Princess about this and he thought it was a valid assumption.

Commercial Buildings

I can not explain the reasons why this happens, in most situations.  All a can say is it does a lot.  First, the one I can explain.

A nice day, with puffy white clouds in the sky, makes for beautiful pictures of glass covered tall buildings.   On one of these ideal days I was near the American Embassy taking photos of the tall buildings.  In every case it didn’t take long for a security guard to come up and ask me to stop.  The only thing I could think of was it had something to do with being in close proximity to the Embassy, but I could not understand why taking photos of building exteriors would be a cause for concern.

Finally I decided to take the photos from the street.  I reasoned there was nothing anyone can say if I’m not on property.  As it turns out, I was mistakenly thinking with my American hat on.  While on the foot bridge that’s next to the American Embassy I stopped to take a few shots of a near by building.  Suddenly I was detained by Thai American Embassy security guards.  A supervisor was called over and he asked to look at the photos I’d taken.  He also wanted to see my passport.  Leo was with me, and they explained to him that the concerned is with Middle Easterners taking photos of people inside the buildings.  Once things got sorted out I was allowed to keep the photos I’d taken and move on, with lots of smiles from the earlier very stern and demanding guards.  At that point I decided to keep the lens cap on the camera until well out of the area.

Now it should have been obvious the little camera I was using could not possibly take photos of people inside these buildings.  But security guards are not expected to make that determination.  They are simply told to stop people from photographing.

Photo of Benches in Siam

What I don’t understand is this happens in other areas of Bangkok, as well.  The difference being one building in every four or five will have issues with taking photos, even of the ground no less…ask me how I know.  I was also told to stop taking photos of unoccupied benches outside one of the shopping malls in Siam.  This on a day when there were around 50 college aged guys photographing anything and everything all around the exterior of the three shopping malls in that same area.  I have no idea what is driving this behavior, and it is a mystery to the BF, as well.  In Siam center it was a guy that looked like management that came out and motioned me to stop.  In all other instances I was approached by a lone security guard, whom I’m sure was just following rote instructions.

Wats and Temples

Every place is different, so you just have to pay attention to signs, or ask what the rules are before taking any photographs.  As far as I know, taking pictures inside any temple is not permitted.  I’ve also been told it is improper to photograph the living quarters of the monks.

Government Buildings

I don’t know what the rules are regarding government buildings.  My practice is to avoid them, particularly when there is a strong presence of military or police security on the grounds.  If there is something you really want to photograph, I’d suggest asking first.  I don’t have a problem with asking a military security guard, but tend to avoid any contact with the police.

Tuk Tuks and Guides

The most annoying thing about photographing in the tourist frequented areas is all the Tuk Tuk and walking guides hounding you.  Any farang with a camera is assumed to be a tourist and is a prime target for those wishing to offer their “expert” services.  I’m not kidding when I say two or three in every city block will approach you, some obvious and others trying to pass themselves off as a friendly local who is just trying to help out.  It didn’t take long for me to figure out that these areas are best avoided if you don’t want to be pestered half the time.

Carry Your Passport

Some would argue you should always carry your passport, and for those that feel this way I’ll give no argument.  However, many of us prefer to keep our passport at home and carry copies.  If you are one that chooses that later, I’d suggest deviating if out taking a lot of photos, particularly if you plan to wander into areas less frequented by tourists.  The only time I’ve ever been asked to show my passport was while taking pictures, so I keep it on me every time I’m out for that purpose.

I base all of this on my experiences shooting photos in Bangkok, but have no reason to think it’s any different in other locations.  The only exception to this might be photographing buildings.

RELATED POSTS

Dogs in Thailand