New rules for photographers

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha waves as he enters the Thailand Social Expo Fair 2018 at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi province, on Friday. (Photos by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Photographers have been instructed to keep a distance of at least five metres from the prime minister and “pay respect” to him before and after taking his picture.

Special Branch police issued "ethical guidelines" on Friday for photographers and members of the media when they approach the prime minister.

The guidelines were given ahead of the official opening of the Thailand Social Expo Fair 2018 at Impact Muang Thong Thani by Gen Prayut. It's unclear at this stage they would be standard rules for other events from now on.

Security was tight at the event. All members of the media had to go through a scanner, register and wear cards and stickers showing they had been screened.

Also for the first time, Special Branch police prepared a registration form for them to fill in. The required information included names, employers’ names and phone numbers, as well as their citizen ID card numbers.

Under the guidelines issued by Special Branch Division 1 responsible for Pak Kret, Nonthaburi province, all photographers who wish to take photos of the prime minister must pay respect to him before and after pressing the shutter. The guidelines do not elaborate what gesture is expected, but a bow is possibly required. (continued below)

Gen Prayuit greets his fans at the fair.

While doing their job, they must dress appropriately -- suits for men and dresses and closed-in shoes for women.

Their cameras must first be examined and tagged by Special Branch police.

Only photographers who have registered and been approved are allowed to take photos.

They must not act or behave in an "inappropriate" manner.

The should stay at least 5m from the premier and must not scramble for position while doing their jobs, bend over another person or raise cameras overhead to take pictures.

They must not take a front shot when the prime minister is in a reception room, going up or down high places, such as stairs, or is eating. They must not leave their designated areas, cut in front, run about or swarm onto paths.

They can take photos only at the spots or places designated by officials, to maintain order.

Lights can be used while shooting, but they should not be more than 1,500 watts. They should only be used far from a reception room.

A photographer who fails to observe these guidelines would see his media arm badge seized and be banned from taking pictures at an event, according to the guidelines.

A source at the central Special Branch command in Bangkok said the bureau knew nothing about the guidelines since they were issued by the local office.