Immigration police arrested Ma Chuwan, 26, on a charge of working in Thailand illegally.
Police seized a Nikon camera from Ma and asked to see his work permit or prove that he is a professional photographer in Phuket, but he failed to provide either. He was taken to Cherng Talay Police Station.
Lt Col Tienchai Chompoo said, "We are aware of freelance Chinese wedding photographers who came to work in Thailand illegally. They take photos of wedding couples at tourist sites such as beaches, Phuket Old Town and temples. They get paid B5,000-B10,000 per job.
"We have warned some and arrested others in the past but there are still some of them who keep on doing this. They are competing against legitimate photographers, whose pain we want to lessen."
Legitimate Phuket freelance wedding photographer Supachai Limpakornkul said the problem of illegal competition from Chinese shooters is not new.
"No matter how many times officials arrest them," he said, "there is high demand among Chinese newlyweds for wedding photos taken in Phuket -- they all want to come here. Usually it's just the bride and groom who come to Phuket.
“They hire a Chinese photographer that they found working at a wedding reception or who freelance for wedding companies in the area.
“Most of these photographers barely know Phuket culture. They take photos of newly-wed couples who are dressed inappropriately inside temples, or have the couple sit or stand at a sacred place that many Thai respect.
“We have seen them take photos in Phuket old town without asking home owners permission or standing in the middle of the road without concern for traffic or drivers.
“I think it will be a long process to rid the island of illegal photographers, and right now we should focus on educating tourists in our culture, beliefs and acceptable behaviours,” he said.