Thailand prohibits possession of bullet-proof vests without a permit and except for military and police use. The photographer went to Thailand to cover the aftermath of the Aug. 17 explosion at a central Bangkok shrine. Photos: Bloomberg, bulletsafe.com
A Hong Kong news photographer from Initium Media is facing a court hearing in Bangkok after a bullet-proof vest was found in his luggage.
The man was stopped from boarding his flight to Hong Kong by airport police, according to Ming Pao Daily.
He was detained and questioned by authorities at Suvarnabhumi airport.
The photographer had gone to Thailand to cover the aftermath of the Aug. 17 blast at a central Bangkok shrine which killed more than two dozen people including two Hong Kong tourists.
Initium Media said it has sent staff to Bangkok to provide assistance and also hired a lawyer.
The Immigration Department said it contacted the photographer and offered advice.
It said it is working with Beijing’s foreign ministry and the Chinese embassy in Thailand.
Thai law prohibits possession of bullet-proof vests without a permit and except for military and police use.
There has been almost no such license issued by Thai authorities in the past 30 years, Initium said.
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