Tourists alarmed by roadside car photography

2026-02-26 - 05:13

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 26 February 2026, Tourists visiting the Khao Yai National Park have raised concerns over possible privacy violations after a photographer was seen taking pictures of passing vehicles along nearby roads, officials said. Worawut On-aree, chairman of the Police Monitoring and Inspection Committee at Mu Si Police Station in Pak Chong district, said on 26 February that tourists had reported a man secretly photographing cars travelling along a curve near Ban Tha Maprang on Rural Highway 3052. The location is about 1.5 kilometres from the entrance gate to Khao Yai National Park towards Wang Nam Khiao district. Similar activity was also reported on Thanarat Road, about one kilometre before the Chao Pho Khao Yai shrine checkpoint. Tourists said the photography had been taking place at the two spots for over a year, and the intent behind the images was unclear. Police were alerted amid concerns the activity could potentially infringe on personal privacy. Pol. Col. Chukiat Kaew-art, superintendent of Mu Si Police Station, ordered patrol officers to investigate. Officers found chairs set up by the roadside at both locations, complete with umbrellas for sun and rain protection, and a vinyl sign reading “123 Photo”. The photographer was operating on behalf of a Facebook page called 123 Photo, taking pictures daily from 08:30 to 16:30. Police said the images captured tourists’ vehicles and were later offered for sale via the page at prices ranging from 200 to 250 baht. Interested customers were instructed to contact the page by private message, and the images were not posted publicly. Tourists who did not wish to be photographed could request deletion of their images at the site. Authorities said the photographer was a local resident hired by the Facebook page for 500 baht per day. Officers issued a warning, advising the individual not to violate the rights of others to avoid breaking the law. The photographer acknowledged the warning and agreed to comply with police guidance.