Thailand wants to boost its economy by attracting international filmmakers to its scenic locations. The Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Culture Ministry are promoting these film locations, aiming to generate 7.5 billion baht (US$206.5 million) in earnings from foreign film companies this year.
The collaborative effort was highlighted at the Cannes Film Festival in France, where both ministries announced Thailand’s increasing popularity as a film destination. The announcement underscored the government’s ongoing support for the Thai film industry, viewing it as a significant driver of tourism, according to Arrun Boonchai, permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
Arrun emphasized that the current administration considers films a form of soft power that can greatly benefit the tourism industry. According to him, Thailand’s tourist attractions have made it a magnet for filmmakers, resulting in numerous foreign films, TV shows, and documentaries being shot in the country in recent years.
Thailand has been providing a 15% refund on production costs incurred within the country, which has recently been increased to 20%.
Several high-profile films have been shot in Thailand, including films with investments exceeding 10 million euros (US$11 million). Examples of these are The Meg 2, The Creator, and The White Lotus Season 3, currently in production, featuring Thai K-pop superstar Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban.
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