Photoshoot in Thailand outdoors - Risky?

[rhythmworx]

Been looking at the work permit requirements and photography is one of the prohibited jobs for a non native, I guess you have to be paid for it to be classed as employment.

I had the idea of getting quite a few models that would fit various concepts I want to shoot in various locations, get a make up and hair stylist, buy clothes and props for the shoot, get an assistant etc...

If I was to shoot outdoors in public with a large scrim on stands and a number of off camera strobes and light modifiers etc, I would guess the law keepers would quickly become pretty interested and ask me for my work permit.

None of this would be work, never mind paid work but how could I prove that, how can they disprove that?

I guess it would be a matter of the "the law say's you are working, so now you must pay a fine and wait in the IDC to get deported."

There must be quite a few non native's who do shoots there for large overseas companies, are they working illegally is there a way to make it all legal safe?

The last thing I want is to end up in the IDC for taking photo's that I am not being paid for.

Thought's and opinions please............(maybe I should have put this in a different section, chose not to, minimize trolls etc..)

[manarak]

I guess you have to be paid for it to be classed as employment.

no, work permits are required even for unpaid work.

since this is going to be a big pro shoot, I would do it this way: hire a thai photographer to be your front and "hire" an off-duty immigration police officer for "security" - the officer will deal with any official interest your shoot could attract.

[Forethat]

I guess you have to be paid for it to be classed as employment.

no, work permits are required even for unpaid work.

since this is going to be a big pro shoot, I would do it this way: hire a thai photographer to be your front and "hire" an off-duty immigration police officer for "security" - the officer will deal with any official interest your shoot could attract.

Strictly speaking, this is a clear attempt to breach immigration laws. Only because you make arrangements not to get caught doesn't mean you're in breach of the law.

If your description of the conditions is correct your engagement would count as work. Period. You are not allowed to work in Thailand without a work permit. Period.

Artist visa probably doesn't apply, because they tend to be aimed at performers. I dont know if there is an equivalent for "artists" like photographers, painters and similar. If you sell your work you're working.

Chapter 19 of the foreign employment act suggests any activities performed for the benefit of art is exempt of employment. So as long as this is art I think it would pass. The question is if this really IS "art"...?

http://www.bia.co.th/023.html

Edited June 15, 2014 by Forethat

[manarak]

I guess you have to be paid for it to be classed as employment.

no, work permits are required even for unpaid work.

since this is going to be a big pro shoot, I would do it this way: hire a thai photographer to be your front and "hire" an off-duty immigration police officer for "security" - the officer will deal with any official interest your shoot could attract.

Strictly speaking, this is a clear attempt to breach immigration laws. Only because you make arrangements not to get caught doesn't mean you're in breach of the law.

cunningly observed!

[Forethat]

I guess you have to be paid for it to be classed as employment.

no, work permits are required even for unpaid work.

since this is going to be a big pro shoot, I would do it this way: hire a thai photographer to be your front and "hire" an off-duty immigration police officer for "security" - the officer will deal with any official interest your shoot could attract.

Strictly speaking, this is a clear attempt to breach immigration laws. Only because you make arrangements not to get caught doesn't mean you're in breach of the law.

cunningly observed!

Not that cunningly if you ask me. You gave an advice that encouraged someone to fiddle with the law in a way that is clearly not recommended.

I am surprised your post still stands.

[manarak]

no, work permits are required even for unpaid work.

since this is going to be a big pro shoot, I would do it this way: hire a thai photographer to be your front and "hire" an off-duty immigration police officer for "security" - the officer will deal with any official interest your shoot could attract.

Strictly speaking, this is a clear attempt to breach immigration laws. Only because you make arrangements not to get caught doesn't mean you're in breach of the law.

cunningly observed!

Not that cunningly if you ask me. You gave an advice that encouraged someone to fiddle with the law in a way that is clearly not recommended.

I am surprised your post still stands.

OP doesn't seem to need a nanny and is open for creative suggestions, read his post, he was looking for a way to make it legal safe...

[Forethat]

OP doesn't seem to need a nanny and is open for creative suggestions, read his post, he was looking for a way to make it legal safe...

Creative suggestions? You are suggesting that he pay tea money to an immigration officer in order to solve a potential problem that may arise if someone questions whether he carries a work permit when performing work in Thailand?

A little too creative if you ask me.

The problem is that he is in breach of the law (unless he "performs duties or missions for the benefit of art")

http://www.bia.co.th/023.html

Your advice clearly shows that you are fully aware of the fact the he is breaking the law, hence your advice is an attempt to propose a way to get away with it. If he is NOT breaking the law, why would he need to hire an off-duty immigration officer?

Again, I'm surprised your post still stands.

[rhythmworx]

I wouldn't be breaking the law it is art. It's to make a portfolio that I can present to agencies back home.

I have decided to keep it as simple as possible, get model that will fit the concept, find the location, purchase some props from where ever.

Just going to settle with natural light near sunset time 2 reflectors and a small homemade scrim, no assistant the model goes salon for hair and makeup to be done off my drawings and sample photos.

Some shots will be on balconies in private rooms etc...

I was originally thinking if I used lots of equipment someone might want some teabags, if you get what I mean.

[Forethat]

I wouldn't be breaking the law it is art. It's to make a portfolio that I can present to agencies back home.

You would be breaking the law. This is not art, and I am confident you understand this as well.

[rhythmworx]

I cant see how taking photographs as a hobby and printing them off back home for the sole reason of presenting my skills to a UK modelling agency is against the law.

The photos will not be used in any publicity just my portfolio.

If it's against the law most people who take photos and put them on websites are breaking the law.

Edited June 16, 2014 by rhythmworx

[phuketrichard]

MY brother in law works for a film company in the states an had a client that wanted some shots here in Phuket, I did the scouting for him an arrangement with the local thai school. we than got a local fixer who does film work here that arranged temp wp ( thru the Thai film association ) and they had 2 people on set that traveled down from Bangkok to Phuket

Also as they brought in lots of equipment, the fixer helped them clear customs with a temp import document. He also arranged all translations for the model releases which were signed by all students and the teacher ( student were each paid 400 baht, teacher got 1,000/day)

all 100% legal, 2 day shoot cost about 45,000 baht for it all

Edited June 16, 2014 by phuketrichard

[Forethat]

I cant see how taking photographs as a hobby and printing them off back home for the sole reason of presenting my skills to a UK modelling agency is against the law.

The photos will not be used in any publicity just my portfolio.

If it's against the law most people who take photos and put them on websites are breaking the law.

Seriously, there is a slight difference between a tourist snapping away and adding to your portfolio using "a few models that would fit various concepts I want to shoot in various locations, get a make up and hair stylist, buy clothes and props for the shoot, get an assistant etc

... with a large scrim on stands and a number of off camera strobes and light modifiers etc".

What's the purpose of your portfolio? "Present to agencies" back home, you say. The amount of equipment you'd be using is irrelevant; you're working.

[sunshine51]

Start a company, apply for the permits, do the job legally.

If the above is just not on...hire a local photog under your

direction (grey area regarding WP's) and get to it. Or...

just get out there and do it yourself and only worry about

the ramifications if you get caught....just FYI.

Or...you can hire me & my company.....

[manarak]

I cant see how taking photographs as a hobby and printing them off back home for the sole reason of presenting my skills to a UK modelling agency is against the law.

The photos will not be used in any publicity just my portfolio.

If it's against the law most people who take photos and put them on websites are breaking the law.

you know what, rythmworx, I just remembered I know a foreign photographer who works legally in Thailand, he should be able to help you.

Just send me a PM with your email address, I will put you in touch.

[Rupert2]

Maybe I'm wrong but who would ever believe that someone would get arrested for taking photos of paid models.

IMO get a grip - maybe literally.

[Forethat]

Maybe I'm wrong but who would ever believe that someone would get arrested for taking photos of paid models.

As far as I can see, nobody has come close to expressing any such beliefs. At least not here on TV.

IMO get a grip - maybe literally.

Maybe I shouldn't be surprised that people on TV dont appreciate when they are faced with correct information or hard facts, but in this case I am.

I am confident (or perhaps not...) that a majority of adults are able to make their own decisions and make whatever arrangements are necessary to make their engagements operate smoothly. I'm am, however, very surprised the illegal conditions is not only confirmed but also discussed open on TV in terms of how to avoid getting caught.

[Chao Lao Beach]

Were a Asian rubber face mask as a disguise