OK folks, I am planning a trip over and would like to photo-journal it.

Have questions about taking pics in bars and around town.

Saw a posting that said taking pics in gogo-bars is a no-no. Is this always true? Does it depend on the TG or on the owner?
Is it an anti-internet thing? I can understand the TG's not wanting their pics on the internet, but dont know why the
bars woudnt want them there; might bring in more business. Besides, my pics are going to be for me.
Can anyone tell me why it is a no-no, and whether this is universally true.

Is there any problem with taking pics while strolling about town? Do the locals get upset if you take their pics?

I assume that taking pics inside their religious temples might be a no-no, what do you think?

any advice on this topic would be appreciated, whether it be culturally based, business based, law based or whatever.


Thanks in advance.

I think one of the main reasons you cannot take pictures in gogo's is due to sponsorship. A lot of the girls may well have been sponsored on the understanding that they do not work in bar anymore so they are just trying there best not to get caught out.

The other thing is prostitution in Thailand is illegal so that may be another reason that they do not allow it.

As for walking around the streets taking pictures... there is nothing to stop you from doing it but just be aware that you may get a funny reaction from some of the girls if you are obviously focusing on them. Some will smile for you and really play to the camera other may well give you the one or two finger salute! If your on walking street just about everyone has a camera in there hand so snap away, in other areas be prepared to put your camera away if people look offended. One thing to do is ask the girl if you can take her picture... good line to get chatting to a nice girl, and shouldn't get offended if you ask.

Inside religious temples cameras are not allowed I think but may well depend where you go.

Just be sensible with your camera, always be polite and try not to offend anyone.

I'll look forward to a good TR when you return!

Only a small handful of ggb's will allow a camera inside - this has been going on since time immemorial. The owners are more worried about the pics falling into the wrong hands, more especially if there is nudity depicted in the scene. It could certainly get their bar closed for a period of time. There are several magazines on sale in Pats (e.g. Pattaya by Night), that feature girls from most bars, but that is with the consent of the owner and of the girls themselves.

I think you've just got to get lucky.



Tea break..........

As someone already said,
Girls are afraid that their pictures will end up in the Internet and their families will find out what kind of work they are doing!
Barowners are afraid of being caught with nudity, that might lend to a closedown or heavy fines!
There are a lot of pictures circulating on the Net from inside GoGo bars, but they are usually taken by the owners or friends of the owners,in some bars they might allow you to take pictures of you or some girls whilst sitting in the seats as long as you don't point your camera to the stage or at nude girls, but you have to ask first!
To take pictures out on town is usually no problem, as long as you show some discretion about it and don't hunt people down for close ups on Walking Street better to use a zoomlense.
Pictures in beerbars are normally no problems especially if you are a regular customer and they know you.
Most temples and religious places do allow pictures taken, as long as you don't climb on the buddha statues or disturb people praying, one exception is the most holy temple in Thailand the "Wat Phra Kaeow" or "Temple of the Emerald Buddha" in the "Grand Palace" area of BKK, where you are not to allowed to take pictures inside.
Thai people in general loves to have their pictures taken, but it's always adviceable to ask first, just point at your camera and smile, that will usually do it!

Plahgat

Thanks for the responses Plahgat, Laawman, & Internationalhardman
Was sort of hoping to get mostly "non-posed" pics as they usually look better and more natural, but it makes more sense to ask permission first and to be respectful of the subjects.
And, yes I do plan to submit a TR when all is said and done.
Presuming I remember to record some of my impressions before passing out each night

Good luck mate.