Photography Thailand Forum

[binder.donedat]

I have two questions about traveling in Thailand with a tripod.

1. Is a tripod allowed as a carry-on item on an airplane? I like to travel light and I'd like to take a tripod with me on the next trip.

2. I tried to take a panoramic photo near Central World in Bangkok. A security guard told me that I can take photos hand-held but not with a tripod.
I heard that there is some kind of a tripod permit required at some places. Any advice/tips on using a tripod in BKK and other areas in Thailand?

Thanks!

[olibkk]

Never heard about a "tripod permit" ! -lol

I took a flight recently with Emirates, they allowed me to carry the tripod into the cabin (to avoid excess-weight charge). Anyway I don't see where is the problem. If you can't carry it by hand, you can always check-in your tripod at the desk like any baggage...

[bkkdave]

I have been approached many times by security and told that there are no photos allowed when they spotted my SLR. The most recent was last week walking into Carrefour with my SLR turned off and the lens cover on. Once I was denied entry to Home Pro because I refused to let them check it in their open shoebox cubicles. I demanded a hefty deposit and they refused; finally they offered to lock it in the manager’s office safe. I asked if I could bring a mobile phone with a camera into the store; that was permitted.

My opinion is that most of these experiences are arbitrary decisions by the rocket scientist’s they hire as security guards.

Going back in time you did not see too many folks walking around with professional looking cameras and I was always picked out; but nowadays it is common to see many people in Bangkok malls with cameras so I think the security has relaxed a bit.

There is absolutely no reason why you would be allowed to hand hold the camera; and not use a tripod. Do not try to figure it out though because it will make you crazy.
The majority of people do not even know what the tripod is for; I have been asked many times why I use one.

That said I have never been told I cannot use a tripod anywhere in Thailand. It may help if you see the security before he sees you and make eye contact and smile at him/her. You could also ask permission before setting up for the shot if you feel it is necessary.

As for the carry on regulations I have no clue as I have not done that for sometime now. I agree it is just as easy to check the tripod.

[Markus]

It happened to me twice that I had to check in my tripod / monopod at different airlines, in both cases they argued that it could be used as a weapon in the cabin. As for using a tripod on busy streets or areas, you are likely to get into problems not only in Thailand, in the UK and in Germany they have for example laws that allow police to send you off if they feel that you block sidewalks, stairways or other busy areas with your tripod.