Thailand Film Office reports record-breaking year for Thai movie industry

The Thailand Film Office (TFO) reported 2022 was a record-breaking year for the Thai movie industry despite a sluggish start to the new calendar year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The TFO compiled a list of impressive statistics for filming foreign movies in the Land of Smiles for 2022.

It recorded that film crews shot 348 different types of movies and generated a record-breaking 6.4 billion baht, the highest since the TFO collected foreign film shooting statistics in Thailand.

The TFO says this reflects the confidence in the potential of filming locations in Thailand, the ability of the Thai movie industry team and the measures to build motivation for the filming team.

The Thai Cabinet last year approved a budget of 212 million baht to support the foreign film industry in Thailand and introduced a series of incentives.

Prime Minister Office spokesperson Trisuree Trisanakun believes that the incentive measures were worth paying for and benefited the country. The budget is invested in locals and the businesses surrounding each film location.

Main rebate of 15% with a local spend of over 50 million baht (US$ 1.4 million) plus an additional rebate of up to 5%.

• +5% For promoting Thai tourism, soft power and a positive Thai image.
• +3% For hiring key Thai personnel.
• +3% For shooting in tourism-designated locations.
• +2% For spending on post-production services in Thailand.
• +5% For shooting before December 31, 2023.

*Minimum local spend in Thailand of more than 100 million baht (US$2.8m).

Top 5 provinces popular with foreign film teams

1. Bangkok

• Various studios in Bangkok such as Moon Star Studio, Montri Studio, etc.
• Market and street food areas, such as the Jod Fair market, are popular with film groups from Japan and South Korea.
• Little Market, Samphanthawong District.
• Mahanakhon Skywalk – King Power Mahanakhon, a 360-degree indoor viewpoint on the 74th and 75th floor, is popular with film crews from Japan, and South Korea.

2. Phuket Province

• Old Phuket Town is popular with foreign film crews.
• Paradise Beach, Kathu District, is a small beach next to Tri Trang Beach, about five minutes and not far from Patong Beach. Only less than eight minutes’ drive from Patong Beach is a world-class filming location.
• Sirinat National Park, Thalang District, is a marine national park on the northwest coast of Phuket Island. It boasts natural marine pine forests, a clean white sand beach, beautiful coral reefs and areas where sea turtles lay their eggs.

3. Samut Prakan Province

• Suvarnabhumi International Airport is a popular film location.
• Studio Park Bang Bo is a favourite studio with foreign film groups. It has a large studio and received global standards. Every year foreign film companies rent studios for shooting commercials, movies or global series.
• Assumption University Bangna campus is popular for music video shoots from production crews from India. It has beautiful, modern architecture.
• Samut Prakan Ancient City replica museum is used to film documentaries and TV shows, including world-famous movie series such as SWAT.

4. Chiang Mai Province

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan, the priceless temple of Chiang Mai is used for documentaries, movies and television programs.
• Old Chang Moi Road, is a street with a lot of local handicrafts where works of rattan, weaving, fabric, and embroidery can be found. It is popular with Korean and Japanese filmmakers.
• Mae Sa Elephant Camp, one of the first elephant camps in Chiang Mai has been open for more than 30 years and is been popular with foreign filming teams, especially from India.

5. Phang Nga Province

• Panyee Island, a famous fishing village island is used quite often by documentary makers.
• Ao Phang Nga National Park is the location of “Khao Tapu” or “James Bond Island.” It is another location used quite often by documentary makers. TV programs such as “Koh Hong,” “Tham Lod,” and “Koh Lawa Yai” have been shot here.
• Khao Pi Lai Beach, is the famous check-in point of Phang Nga Province, is a beautiful sunset point.

Thailand remains a popular filming location for foreign producers due to its diverse geography, historical sites, natural beauty, and rich culture, as well as government incentives.