Eight Chinese tourists arrested in Thailand for illegal vertical series production
Eight Chinese tourists were arrested in Thailand for allegedly taking part in filming a vertical series.
The holidaymakers were reportedly recording a drama before police raided their rented house in Chiang Mai on May 8.
Officers found a Thai interpreter and eight holidaymakers said to have been working as a film crew and actors without permission.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Aviruth Sukyaem of the Tourist Police said the group had entered Thailand on tourist visas and did not possess valid work permits.
He said: 'We informed the group that film productions in Thailand must comply with the Film and Video Act.
'Productions are required to be supervised by government officials to prevent distorted or damaging content that could affect the country's image.
'Screenplays or production synopses must also be reviewed by relevant committees before filming can proceed. Violations can carry penalties of up to one million baht.'
The tourists were charged with working in Thailand without a permit.
Wei, a Chinese actor and producer, allegedly admitted she was recording a vertical drama series - a format that has become increasingly popular in China.
Chiang Mai was chosen as the filming location because it is a popular destination among Chinese tourists.
All eight Chinese tourists were handed over to investigators at Hang Dong Police Station.
Police said they will also notify the Film and Video Committee of the Department of Tourism to consider further action regarding the unauthorised filming.
Under Thailand's Foreign Employment Act, tourists are banned from working in dozens of occupations including tour guiding, labour work, agriculture, and hairdressing. They are also prohibited from working in the country without a valid permit.
Violators may be fined 5,000 to 50,000 THB and may face deportation to their home country. They will also be banned from seeking a Thai work permit for two years.
While Thai employers may be fined between 10,000 and 100,000 baht per illegal employee. Repeat violators face up to one year in jail, a steeper fine of 50,000 to 200,000 baht per illegal worker, and a three-year ban from hiring foreigners.
