Why Film in Thailand?
There is no country like Thailand, dubbed as Land of Smiles, this vibrant country is home to an abundance of incredible cultural and natural landmarks tourists flock to see and experience. Since the 1970s, Thailand has made itself known thanks to films, The Man with the Machine Gun and The Deer Hunter, paving the way for foreign productions to film here. Additional productions have followed since; The Beach, Around the World in 80 Days, The Killing Fields, and Bangkok Dangerous, and many more are filmed in Thailand by local and international directors.
If you are a filmmaker with a vision, Thailand is the go-to place for your next outstanding production thanks to the country’s unique locations, access to various infrastructures, and friendly locals.
Diverse Locations
Thailand’s varied geography allows filmmakers to pick and choose the best type of backdrop appropriate for their films. While Bangkok itself stands as the ‘go-to’ filming destination–a city packed to the brim with interesting sites–the rest of the country offers countless destinations for iconic filming locations. Let’s take a look.
Thailand’s north hums with thick rainforests, rugged mountains, and deep, mysterious caves for productions that require dense foliage or dark, lightless tunnels. Thailand’s Central region is flat, albeit slightly bowl-shaped, buzzing with life, and packed with countless attractions including markets, temples, hotels, and shopping malls along the Chao Phraya River. It is without a doubt Bangkok is a treasure trove of incredible locations packed with things to do, see, and film for production crews.
Last but not least, Thailand’s jewel-filled south presents stunning beaches, five-star hotels and resorts, crystalline waters, lively coral reefs, and islands that stand the test of time. The south of Thailand is practically paradise for those wanting to capture island living. Notable locations include Phuket and Krabi and the islands are among the top cities filmmakers flock to for production.
Production Companies
Being one of the most attractive countries in Southeast Asia, it’s no surprise that Thailand continues to thrive in the TV production industry. To date, the country features over 400 production companies, dedicated to both local and international productions and operated by skillful professionals.
Post-Production Services
It is not only production companies that thrive in Thailand. Post-production companies are plentiful here, staffed by highly talented individuals who can take your production to the next level. Whether you’re looking for video editing services, color grading, CGI, VFX, foley, or more, Thailand’s elite post-production team can help.
Stellar & Experienced Crew
Our friendly, English-speaking crew can assist you during any step of your production cycle. Our Thai staff and experienced crew are more than willing to help you every step of the way to ensure your project is filmed the way you imagined it. Additionally, our staff are versed in English and can act as the middleman between local teams, ensuring your specifications are met promptly.
Film Incentives
Thailand hosted countless award-winning productions. The Thai Government has recently revamped their film incentives, to attract foreign production houses. As of today, the Thai government announced a cash rebate of 30% directed at foreign film productions with local expenditures of 50 million THB (or approximately $1.4 million USD) or more.
Additionally, the government provides additional rebates for those who fulfill it as follows:
- 15%: For Thailand qualified spending from 50 million Thai Baht (approx. US$ 1.4m). The maximum primary and additional Incentive is 25%
- 20%: For Thailand qualified spending from 100 – 150 million Thai Baht (approx. US$ 2.8 – 4.3m). The maximum primary and additional Incentive is 30%
- 25%: For Thailand qualified spending over 150 million Thai Baht (approx. US$ 4.3m). The maximum primary and additional Incentive is 30%
Thailand offers additional rebates for those who qualify:
- 5%: For productions that employ Thai nationals in key positions.
- 5%: For productions that reflect Thailand in a positive light.
- 3%: For productions which film in designated provinces.
- 3%: For productions that complete post-production in Thailand.
The best part about the incentive is there are no production caps and cultural tests are not required. Choose Thailand as your next budget-friendly destination and earn attractive rebates helping you save money on your exciting production!
Travel
Thailand hosts an assortment of readily available transportation methods for your film crew. While cars are the preferred mode of transportation, Thailand provides other forms of travel including trains, buses, boats, and planes helping you and your crew travel to exciting locations for your production both locally and internationally. Travel to neighboring countries to make the most out of your production thanks to affordable flight and accommodation pricing.
Budgeting
Filming in Thailand is a cost-effective solution that allows teams to maximize their production without breaking the bank. Packed with state-of-the-art equipment, filmmakers have access to the latest equipment and technologies, allowing filmmakers to produce high-quality results on a tight budget and timeline. Furthermore, Thailand provides generous cash rebates and incentives to help you save money and time.
Why film in Thailand? Thailand has transformed into a bustling filming hub for foreign and local filmmakers due to the country’s state-of-the-art facilities, infrastructure, stellar crew, attractive cash incentives, and professional staff. If you are looking for experienced staff and crew to help you kickstart your production in Thailand, get in touch by filling out the contact form below.
