Bangkok police have taken legal action against a Pattaya-based film company for putting up a stall selling sex toys for filming purposes on Khao San Road, following complaints from local businesses.
The Metropolitan Police Division 1 said that representatives of the company arrived at the Chanasongkram police station Wednesday morning to seek permission for the shooting of the Indian film Happy Bhag Jayegi Return (2018) on Khao San Road during 7am to 8pm on Wednesday and Thursday.
The station gave permission because the company promised that the filmmaking would promote Thailand and its positive image. The project already received a green light from the Tourism Department.
From 9.30am to 11.30am on Wednesday the crew had women wear swimsuits and placed stalls of swimsuits and adult toy signs on the road. After being reported, local police halted the filmmaking.
A video clip and many pictures of the actresses and materials were shared in social media.
Police charged the crew and the film producer with causing public embarrassment and untidiness, blocking a road, and showing pornographic materials. They are liable to a jail term of up to three years and/or a fine of up to 60,000 baht.
The Metropolitan Police Division 1 quoted actresses as saying that the scene was supposed to take place in China, with no mentioning of Khao San Road.
According to the Tourism Department website, Indo Bangkok Films Co was based in Pattaya City, Chon Buri province.
The website of the company showed that its founder and chief executive was Dilbir Singh Sahni and the company served Indian clients.
Happy Bhag Jayegi Return (2018) is a sequel to the comic-caper of the same title made in 2011. Indian actresses Sonakshi Sinha and Diana Penty star in it.