‘The White Lotus’ Puts a Production Spotlight on Thailand, From Picturesque Locations to Generous Rebates

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The captivating television series “The White Lotus” is generating quite a buzz, and viewers can’t seem to get enough of the fresh cast embarking on jet-setting adventures, while anxiously waiting for the anticipated climax – a murder – before the season concludes. Performers like Parker Posey, Walton Goggins, and recurring star Natasha Rothwell enhance the allure of the Emmy-winning series, but it’s not just the talent that attracts; the location plays a significant role as well. The first season was set in Hawaii, the second in Italy, and the current third season is filmed primarily at the Four Seasons in Koh Samui and Anantara Mai Khao in Phuket, Thailand.

2024 saw a record number of 490 film and TV productions, including “The White Lotus”, being filmed in Thailand, marking the highest level since before the pandemic. Among these were Netflix’s “The Night Agent” and FX’s Noah Hawley sci-fi series “Alien: Earth”, which shot parts of their second seasons and premiering this summer respectively, both in Bangkok. Additionally, scenes for Universal’s upcoming movie “Jurassic World Rebirth”, set to release in July, were filmed last summer across various locations such as Bangkok, Krabi, Trang, Phang Na, and Chiang Mai.

For the Thailand Film Office, it’s nothing new to serve as a filming location for various projects. In fact, they attribute the significant financial losses that many global entertainment industries faced during the COVID-19 pandemic as an unexpected opportunity. As Supatana Sakpiyaphan, the Tourism Development Officer and Chief of Academic Affairs and Cooperation at Thailand Film Office, puts it, “The pandemic served as a pivotal moment for us.

As soon as the pandemic emerged, swift measures were taken in collaboration with the country’s Disease Control Department to ensure that a significant number of ongoing projects (176 in 2020, 121 in 2021) could continue running, rather than shutting down completely. Rapidly, word got around that Thailand was operational for business. According to Sakpiyaphan, many filmmakers who wanted to create productions during the pandemic hadn’t even considered or known about Thailand before. He noted that the number of foreign productions in Thailand (which encompasses advertising, documentaries, travel videos, and music videos) has been on the rise each year since then. “Filmmakers had positive experiences working here and continued to return,” Sakpiyaphan added.

Beginning with Thailand’s abundant scenic vistas, ranging from its stunning southern beaches like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi, to the mountainous regions in the north such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. The Thai Tourism Office collaborates closely with film productions, often liaising with local coordinators to facilitate tasks ranging from paperwork to crew hiring and location scouting. Moreover, in today’s economically challenging times due to COVID-19, Thailand’s attractive cash rebate scheme has become increasingly appealing to foreign productions. Last year, these rebates were even enhanced, currently offering up to 30%.

The rebate can reach up to 25% when the project spending exceeds 150 million Thai baht (around $4.3 million), but it could also be 20% for project spending within the range of 100-150 million Thai baht (about $2.7-$4.3 million) and 15% if the spending is at 50 million Thai baht ($1.4 million). An extra 5% rebate can be obtained if the production employs Thai citizens in crucial roles or boosts Thai tourism. Furthermore, productions filmed in designated provinces and those completing post-production in Thailand could earn a 3% rebate.

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positive news is resonating, even reaching Hollywood’s ears. According to Sakpiyaphan, discussions have been held with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), and they anticipate that more filmmakers will opt for Thailand as their production destination. This prediction aligns with the encouraging trend we saw in January, where a total of 62 productions were filmed in Thailand – a promising start to what could potentially set new records this year.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but emphasize this: foreign filmmakers, be mindful not to turn our enchanting Thailand into a mere playground devoid of substance when you visit. Instead, let us share the unique charm and rich cultural tapestry that makes Thailand an exceptional destination for both work and relaxation. As they say, “Thailand is the best choice for your ‘workation’.” With a smile on my face, I extend this warm invitation to all creators.

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2025-03-10 14:17