Local photographers at Wat Arun in Bangkok have been accused of rudely shooing visitors away so they can take photos of their paying customers, many wearing rented Thai costumes.
Krisda “Pond” Witthayakhajorndet, CEO of Be On Cloud entertainment, gave details on the X platform of his encounters with local photographers at the famous temple. He said photographers were consistently driving away foreign tourists with their rude manners.
Pond said he was initially impressed by the large crowd at Wat Arun and the many visitors dressed in traditional Thai clothing. However, he then saw what he believed were local photographers linked to Thai costume rental services who repeatedly drove other tourists way from photogenic spots to prioritise their own paying clients.
He said their behaviour left tourists confused and unhappy.
Police and other authorities acknowledged the issue following growing social media complaints. Action is planned to prevent damage to Thailand’s tourism industry.
The Tourist Police Bureau has ordered on-site inspections and instructed officers to take prompt action when needed.
Representatives of the temple have met with officers to examine preventive strategies to ensure tourist safety and the country’s good image, police said.
