Thailand is cementing its reputation as a premier destination for international film productions, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) leveraging blockbuster shoots to drive film location tourism nationwide.
According to the Thailand Film Office, under the Department of Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the country welcomed 322 foreign productions between January and July 2025, generating over 3.33 billion baht in revenue.
TAT has rolled out a three-pronged strategy to support the industry, coordination and facilitation, financial incentives, and the “Location Thailand” campaign.
Together, these efforts aim to attract world-class productions, streamline operations for international crews, and transform filming sites into tourist attractions.
TAT assists foreign productions at both national and local levels, ensuring smooth operations. Thailand has already served as a backdrop for major titles, from “Fast & Furious 9” and HBO’s “The White Lotus: Season 3” to “Jurassic World: Rebirth.”
The authority has also collaborated with Netflix on projects showcasing Thai culture, such as “Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream.” and “Hidden Gem.” Meanwhile, its Seoul office has promoted Thai productions abroad, including screenings of “Thong Ek: The Herbal Master, Friend Zone, The Medium,” and “Bad Genius.”
From January 2025, new rebate policies offer foreign productions 15–30% cash back, with no ceiling on rebate amounts. The scheme, implemented with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, is designed to lure high-budget productions and enhance Thailand’s competitive edge.
The campaign promotes filming locations as must-see attractions, aiming to disperse tourism beyond major cities to secondary destinations. TAT has partnered with Universal Pictures to spotlight Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi, linking them to “Jurassic World: Rebirth.”
The initiative also includes familiarisation trips for global directors and producers, networking events, tax exemptions for actors, and technology-driven experiences such as AR filters and GeoFencing systems that bring film backstories to life for visitors.
To ensure long-term benefits, TAT is working with OTAs, hotels, and local communities to develop film-inspired travel packages, upgrade infrastructure in filming areas, and strengthen workforce skills. Events such as the “Amazing Film Festival Experience” further reinforce Thailand’s image as a world-class film destination.
From The White Lotus to Jurassic World
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the film industry has become a vital tool for promoting the creative economy and sustainable tourism. Thailand’s landscapes have already featured in global hits, from Chiang Mai in “Lost in Thailand” (2012) to Phitsanulok in “The Creator” (2023) and Phuket in “Meg 2: The Trench” (2023).
In 2024, TAT supported HBO’s “The White Lotus: Season 3,” launching the official “The White Lotus Thailand” website and hosting the Bangkok premiere to highlight filming locations in Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Samui.
Following the show’s release, Koh Samui saw a 44% surge in hotel bookings year-on-year, with TAT capitalising on the momentum by offering follow-the-series travel packages across Europe, the US, the Middle East, and China.
TAT’s Los Angeles office targeted premium US segments such as Gen Y/Z, LGBTQIA+, and luxury travellers, while the New York office partnered with fashion house 3.1 Phillip Lim to launch a sportswear line inspired by the series.
Meanwhile, “Jurassic World: Rebirth” was filmed across Krabi, Phang Nga, and Trang in 2024 with a budget exceeding 400 million baht. The production created jobs for more than 2,200 Thais and showcased iconic destinations such as Railay Beach, Phang Nga Bay, and Koh Kradan.
Alien Earth: A Record-Breaking Production
Building on this momentum, Thailand was chosen as the filming location for “Alien Earth,” Disney+ Hotstar’s big-budget international series that premiered on August 13, 2025. With an investment of 2.8 billion baht, it became the most expensive foreign series shot in Thailand in over three decades.
Filming spanned nearly two years across seven provinces, including Bangkok, Krabi, and Surat Thani, and employed more than 16,000 Thai crew members.
These successes underscore Thailand’s emergence as a global filming hub, generating billions in revenue, boosting tourism, and offering international visibility. By harnessing the power of film, TAT is driving sustainable economic benefits while strengthening the international image of “Amazing Thailand.”
