Published on
August 18, 2025
US and South Korea film productions, along with other international projects, are increasingly choosing Thailand as a premier filming destination, highlighting the country’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and world-class production facilities. Through the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) initiatives, including streamlined filming support, financial incentives, and the “Location Thailand” campaign, these projects are not only boosting the local film industry but also driving sustainable tourism, promoting lesser-known locations, and generating significant economic benefits for communities across the nation.
Thailand’s Film Industry Flourishes as International Productions Boost Tourism and Revenue
Thailand’s Department of Tourism, operating under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, has experienced a remarkable surge in international film productions. From January to July 2025, the country hosted 322 foreign film projects, generating over 3.33 billion baht in revenue. This increase underscores Thailand’s growing global reputation as a premier filming destination, combining stunning landscapes, diverse cultural settings, and a strong support network for filmmakers.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been pivotal in this success, implementing a multi-faceted approach to attract international productions. Its strategies focus on three core areas: facilitating smooth operations for film crews, providing financial incentives, and promoting filming locations as tourist destinations. Together, these initiatives position Thailand as a world-class hub for film and creative tourism.
1. Streamlined Support for Film Productions
Thailand has long been a magnet for international filmmakers, attracting projects ranging from music videos and television series to blockbuster films. TAT plays a crucial role by providing extensive support for foreign crews at both national and local levels. This includes coordination with local authorities, securing permits, assisting with logistics, and ensuring smooth operations from pre-production to post-production.
The country’s picturesque landscapes and diverse locations have made it a preferred destination for globally recognized productions. Notable examples include Fast & Furious 9, filmed in Krabi, Phang Nga, and Surat Thani in 2019; The White Lotus: Season 3, shot in February 2024; and Jurassic World: Rebirth, filmed across Krabi, Phang Nga, and Trang during June–July 2024. Such high-profile projects highlight Thailand’s versatility in offering both natural and urban settings suitable for a variety of genres.
TAT has also partnered with international streaming platforms like Netflix to showcase Thai culture and tourism in productions such as Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream. and Hidden Gem. Beyond production support, TAT promotes Thai films and series abroad. Its Seoul office, for example, has hosted screenings of Thai hits including Thong Ek: The Herbal Master, Khaosan Tango, Friend Zone, The Medium, and Bad Genius, further enhancing the country’s global cinematic presence.
2. Attractive Financial Incentives
To further entice international filmmakers, Thailand has strengthened its cash rebate program, offering rebates of 15–30% on production costs with no upper limit. This initiative, effective from January 1, 2025, is administered in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and aims to attract world-class film projects to Thailand.
The cash rebate program is particularly appealing for large-scale productions that require substantial investment in location scouting, local talent, and technical resources. By reducing production costs, Thailand encourages filmmakers to invest more in high-quality projects that, in turn, promote the country’s culture, landmarks, and tourism potential. This approach not only boosts revenue but also enhances Thailand’s visibility on the global film map.
3. Location Thailand Campaign: Promoting Film-Induced Tourism
The “Location Thailand” campaign is a strategic initiative designed to turn film locations into tourist attractions. By leveraging the popularity of movies and series shot in the country, TAT inspires film-induced tourism, encouraging visitors to explore both famous and lesser-known sites. This approach helps spread economic benefits to secondary destinations and local communities while reducing congestion in major urban centers.
Partnerships with global studios, such as Universal Pictures, have effectively showcased destinations like Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi through productions such as Jurassic World: Rebirth. Upcoming activities under the campaign include familiarization trips for directors, producers, and studio executives to discover new filming locations. Thailand also showcases its professional studios, high-quality equipment, visual effects capabilities, and skilled crews to attract international collaboration. Market briefings, table-top sales, and networking events connect local businesses with global filmmakers, further strengthening the country’s creative industry ecosystem.
4. Integrating Technology for Visitor Engagement
Technology plays an essential role in the campaign, enhancing the visitor experience. GeoFencing systems provide real-time notifications about attractions and filming backstories, while AR filters allow tourists to virtually interact with iconic scenes, creating a more immersive experience. These innovations not only promote tourism but also deepen engagement with the country’s cultural and cinematic offerings.
5. Long-Term Impact and Sustainability
TAT’s approach emphasizes sustainable benefits for the tourism and creative sectors. The agency collaborates with online travel agencies, hotels, local governments, and communities to develop film-inspired travel packages, upgrade infrastructure in filming areas, and strengthen workforce capabilities across related industries. These measures ensure that the growth of film-induced tourism contributes to broader economic development while preserving the unique character and heritage of filming locations.
US and South Korea film productions are showcasing Thailand’s scenic locations, with TAT driving film-induced tourism and boosting local economies. These initiatives highlight Thailand as a world-class destination for sustainable and creative tourism.
Thailand’s proactive strategies have made it a leading destination for filmmakers worldwide. By combining streamlined production support, competitive financial incentives, targeted promotion of filming locations, and innovative technology-driven experiences, the country continues to attract high-profile projects while stimulating tourism and cultural engagement. With initiatives like the Location Thailand campaign, the nation is set to further solidify its position as a global hub for creative tourism and cinematic excellence.
