Can you take videos of people covertly in public without consent and upload them online ?

Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) that took effect in 2022 adds another layer here. Even in public, if someone can be identified in your video, you're technically supposed to have their consent before processing their data, which includes uploading. In practice, people film on the BTS and at Chatuchak all the time without asking, but if someone complains to the police or files a PDPA complaint, you could face fines up to 5 million baht. For conversations specifically, I'd keep the phone in your pocket unless you're sure no one recognizable is in the frame or you've got permission.

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You're technically allowed to film in public places in Thailand since there's no privacy law that outright bans it, but the issue is how the content is used. If someone in the video feels their reputation was damaged or they were humiliated, they can file a complaint under Section 326 of the Criminal Code for defamation, which carries up to two years in prison. You also need to be careful around Sukhumvit or Khao San Road where people are more alert to this stuff and might confront you directly. For conversations specifically, it's better to just let people know you're recording or keep it to yourself rather than posting it.

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ngl the legal side is one thing but socially people here will call you out if they spot you filming them. had a friend try to record street food banter and the vendor got real upset, almost got his phone snatched. just ask first or keep it obvious you're recording, saves you the drama

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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