Police raid illegal Chinese drama shoot in Chiang Mai
Thai police arrested eight Chinese nationals in Chiang Mai on May 7 after raiding an illegal film set producing a Chinese drama series without permits or work authorization.
CHIANG MAI — On May 7, 2026, Thai tourist police arrested eight Chinese nationals during a raid on an illegal film set in Chiang Mai where a Chinese 'vertical series' was being produced without official authorization.
The operation was part of a nationwide crackdown ordered by the Royal Thai Police targeting criminal activity involving foreign tourists.
Tourist Police Bureau Commissioner Lt. Gen. Saksira Pueak-am directed units nationwide to step up inspections of foreign visitors. Investigators from Tourist Police Division 2 launched the inquiry after receiving reports of unauthorized filming at a residence in Hang Dong district.
Police discovered a crew of Chinese filmmakers and a Thai interpreter actively filming inside the property. The group could not produce the filming permits required under Thai law, and no government officials were overseeing the production as regulations mandate.
Investigators found that the Chinese nationals had entered Thailand on tourist visas and lacked work permits. A suspect identified as Ms. Wei admitted to working as both producer and actress on the 'vertical series'—a short-form drama format gaining popularity online.
She explained that the production team chose Chiang Mai for its appeal to Chinese tourists and its famous attractions.
Authorities informed the suspects that film production in Thailand is governed by the 2008 Film and Video Act, which requires official approval, script review, and government supervision during filming to prevent content that could harm the country's image. Violations carry fines up to 1 million baht.
The eight Chinese nationals were transferred to Hang Dong police station to face charges of working in Thailand without authorization. Police said additional legal action regarding the unauthorized film production would be escalated to the Film and Video Committee under the Tourism Department.
Tourist police encouraged the public to report suspicious foreign national activity via the 1155 Tourist Police hotline or the Thailand Tourist Police application, available 24/7.
