Officials in northern Laos are charging non-local freelance photographers a hefty fee to take photos at tourist sites in Luang Prabang — a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its traditional Lao architecture and myriad Buddhist temples.
Municipal officials recently announced that, beginning March 1, Lao freelance photographers from outside of Luang Prabang province must report to the local Department of Information, Culture and Tourism and pay up to 2 million kip (US$90) in permit fees before shooting at any of the city’s sites.
The stated fees, which are high by Lao salary standards, do not apply to foreign freelancers, who officials said will likely be required to pay more.
A city official, who spoke to RFA Lao on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the new policy with the media, confirmed that photographers will have to obtain a permit to work at the tourist sites.
“That is correct — any [freelance] photographer shooting for a [Facebook] page or for any online use must have a permit,“ he said. ”The fees start at 1.2 million kip (US$55) but shouldn’t exceed 2 million kip, although it depends on the business.”
The official said the same policy applies to freelancers shooting video for documentaries or other projects.
Frustration and confusion
A Lao freelance photographer who shoots wedding ceremonies in Luang Prabang, but lives outside of the region, told RFA that he and his colleagues are unhappy with the new policy.
“I’m not sure if I am going to register or not,” said the photographer, who declined to be named over security concerns. “No freelance photographers taking photos in Luang Prabang have registered yet, and most seem to disagree [with the policy].”
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Another freelance photographer who also asked not to be named told RFA he was “confused” by the announcement, but said he plans to register so that his business doesn’t get shut down.
“I will register soon so when I take pictures in the field I’ll have my permit ready with me,” he said. “But I don’t really understand this order.”
“It will be harder for foreign freelance photographers,” he added, without elaborating.
Locals exempt
Photographers who are based within Luang Prabang are not required to register or pay permit fees, according to the official announcement.
A local photographer in Luang Prabang province confirmed that he would be exempt from registering.
“Only out-of-province photographers must register with the Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, and pay a fee before they are allowed to take photos,” he said. “I pay a yearly tax [to the province], so I don’t need to register and pay a fee.”
Among the tourism sites in Luang Prabang are several waterfalls and cave systems that are popular with foreign visitors. Inside the town, tourists can find a thriving night market, the Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum and multiple Buddhist temples.
The town was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1995.
Translated by RFA Lao. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.