Illegal wedding photographer arrested on Bang Tao Beach

PHUKET: A wedding photographer was arrested for working illegally on Bang Tao Beach on Wednesday.

Chinese national Ma Chuan, 26, was arrested while taking a series of wedding photos, explained Lt Col Tienchai Chompoo of the Phuket Immigration Office.

“Illegal Chinese photographers are not a new thing in Phuket. We regularly receive reports of Chinese tourists entering Phuket to take pre-wedding photos at many of the island’s attractions, such as the beaches, temples and buildings in Phuket Old Town,” Col Tienchai said.

“We are gradually arresting them, but they are still finding ways to illegally conduct their businesses.”

Police regularly check for Chinese nationals, such as Mr Ma, who are working without a permit as photographers, Col Tienchai noted.

“If we are able to ride the island of illegal photographers, it will help protect the work and livelihoods of legal ones,” he said.

Mr Ma was charged for working illegally in Thailand.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong