Problems in travelling with a Hasselbald in Bangkok

[cl_ho2]

Knowing that Hasselblad is not allowed to use in the Grand Palace in

Bangkok, I would like to share the past experience from the travellers

taking photo in Bangkok:

 

1. Do the guards allow you to carry a Hassy inside your backpack but

not using it in the Grand Palace area ?

 

2. Can the tourist carry a backpack into the Grand Palace ?

 

3. Does the rule (forbids in 120 format) applied to other temples in

Bangkok ?

[shawn_williams]

A few years ago, I was able to use my Hasselblad all around the Grand Palace. I did get harassed once by a gaurd when trying to take a picture of one of the paintings of the the Ramayana(spelling?) surrounding the main temple, but they eventually let me take the picture anyway after explaining that I was not a professional.

 

From my understanding, they only want to restrict professional photographers, so as long as you can explain that you are only taking for your own purpose, you might be alright.

 

I had no problems with bringing my camera bag into the palace grounds.

 

I was also able to take pictures without any incident at the other temples in and around Bangkok.

[jim_chow]

Funny you mention the hassy and the Grand Palace. When I was

there last December, at the entrance opposite the main

entrance, there is a poster with an image of a camera that looks

like a hassy and the remarks that the camera is forbidden (can't

remember it it was a red "X" or not). I brought my Rollei 6008i w/

a few lenses and gitzo 1228 tripod and didn't have any problems,

but I was with my wife and one of my in-laws from Japan, so I

was taking shots of them and shots they requested. I guess a

guard saw the three of us together and figured we were typical

photo-happy Japanese tourists and didn't bother to approach us.

And yes, I had the full phototrekker AW pack in the Grand Palace.

If you're by yourself, maybe you'll draw more attention. :-)

[cl_ho2]

Thanks for your response. Just one more thing - I have read that long trousers and proper shoes are required at the Grand Palace. Can you get away with sandals (Sandals with straps)and shorts ?? (Save me bringing an extra pair of trainers and jeans along with all my cameras!)

[clark_everett1]

I made photographs unhindered with my Hasselblad at Wat Po in Feb 2000. I didn't take my Hasselblad to the Grand Palace, and did not regret it - the photos of Bangkok I most enjoy were chiefly street photos [35mm and MF] and Thai Boxing [35mm] and secondarily Wat Po [mostly MF].

 

Keep in mind that security is much tighter in Bangkok due to the recent arrest [Hambali sp?] and the upcoming global meeting next month, I believe. If you have access to the New York Times, there was a story [within the past week] on the "info" gleaned from the arrest as well as the upcoming meeting and the tighter security.

 

Good luck.

[stephen_w.]

No Hassy for me either, a SWC, kept in a lock box.

 

No shorts, but they have lender pants, bring your own. Sandles OK. BTW, in the temples of Myanmar, no shoes allowed.

[kimberly_wright]

We just toured the Grand Palace today (12/8/03) and tried carrying in my husband's Bronica and had the guards stop us and our guide. He ended up having to lock it up much to his chagrin. They are very serious about no medium format at all.