Government denies confiscation of BBC material
In the heart of Bangkok, on the night of September 5, a controversial incident unfolded at Soi Cowboy, Sukhumvit 21. The BBC crew, working on their documentary titled "Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise," found themselves at the centre of a dispute.
According to reports, the crew entered a local pub without the owner's consent, sparking a commotion. The pub promptly notified the local police about the unauthorized filming.
Natthriya Thaweevong, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, confirmed the incident. She stated that the government supports foreign film crews in Thailand, as long as they follow agreed procedures and Thai law.
Despite having an approved script, the local police advised the BBC crew to comply with rules, but they initially failed to do so. The police intervened to mediate between the crew and the establishment, and after the intervention, the crew adhered to the rules.
The pub later filed a police report after the BBC crew released clips online, according to Ms. Natthriya. However, neither the local authorities nor the Ministry of Tourism and Sports confiscated any film or footage during the shooting of the documentary.
The BBC documentary, which delves into the topic of sex tourism in Thailand, has faced criticism for misrepresenting the truth, including claims by British YouTuber Mac. The search results do not provide information about who initiated the subsequent police proceedings related to the release of clips from the controversial documentary.
Despite the controversy, the BBC crew continued with their work, shedding light on various aspects of Thailand's nightlife. The incident serves as a reminder for foreign film crews to respect local laws and regulations when filming in Thailand.
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