Chiang Mai tourist police raided a Chinese vertical series filming crew secretly shooting in Hang Dong District without permission, detaining eight suspects and charging them with "foreign nationals working without authorization.",
On 8 May 2026, the Chiang Mai tourist police investigation team, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Awirut Sukyaem, together with officers from Division 2, Tourist Police Bureau 2, inspected a film crew after receiving reports of Chinese nationals secretly filming inside a private residence in Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province.
Inspection found a Chinese crew and Thai interpreters filming a movie without the required legal permits and without government officials supervising the filming as mandated. Additionally, the individuals had entered as tourists and lacked work permits.
Upon questioning, Mrs. Wei, the suspect, admitted to being the producer and actress filming a vertical series, which is currently popular. She chose Chiang Mai as the location because it is a famous tourist destination well-known among Chinese tourists.
Officials informed the suspects that filming movies in Thailand is regulated under the 2008 Film and Video Act, requiring government supervision to prevent distorted content or negative impacts on the country's image. The script or synopsis must be reviewed by the relevant committee before filming can proceed. Violations can incur fines up to one million baht.
Authorities detained the eight Chinese individuals and sent them to Hang Dong Police Station for prosecution on charges of "foreign nationals working without authorization." Each was fined 5,000 baht.
Regarding unauthorized filming, authorities will report the offense to the Film and Video Committee and the Tourism Department for further legal action.