The Chief of Tourist Police ordered the Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 1 to take action to regulate "local photographers" at Wat Arun following social media complaints about their behavior excluding tourists. There are concerns this could damage the atmosphere and image of Thailand's tourism. A joint meeting with Wat Arun is scheduled for 5 Jan 2026 to set measures.
On 4 January 2026, Acting Police Colonel Piyapong Ensarn, Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 1, disclosed that there have been complaints on social media regarding the behavior of local photographers at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan. These photographers reportedly exclude other tourists from public areas to benefit only their own clients, causing dissatisfaction among both Thai and foreign tourists and severely affecting the tourism atmosphere and the country's image.
Recently, under orders from Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-um, Commander of Tourist Police, affiliated units were instructed to urgently verify the facts and promptly resolve the problem to prevent escalation and damage to Thailand's tourism.
The responsibility was assigned to the 1st Division of Tourist Police Division 1, led by Acting Police Colonel Piyapong Ensarn, along with Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthaphon Khonlak, Deputy Superintendent of Division 1, Police Lieutenant Colonel Nimit Janyalak, Inspector of Tourist Police Division 3, Division 1, and Acting Police Captain Phum Munmuang, Inspector of Division 1, plus other involved officers, to conduct on-site inspections and address the issue immediately.
The Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 1 further stated that during this operation, officials met with representatives from Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan to discuss preventive and corrective measures to address issues that could affect safety, tourist satisfaction, and the country's tourism image. They also integrated cooperation with the temple to regulate the use of photography areas and the activities of photographer groups within the temple to ensure a systematic, transparent, and fair process for all parties.
Additionally, they have publicized and requested cooperation from photographer representatives at Wat Arun to assist citizens and tourists politely and amicably without causing inconvenience, aiming to raise tourism standards and build confidence among both domestic and international tourists.
On 5 January 2026, a joint meeting will be held between the tourist police and the committee of Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan to establish concrete cooperation guidelines. These measures aim to prevent long-term problems and avoid recurrence of such incidents, according to the Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 1.