‘The White Lotus’ Highlights Thailand as a Premier Filming Destination

“The White Lotus” attracts viewers with its Thailand setting, enhancing its allure. The country has seen a surge in filming activities, boasting 490 productions in 2024, and offers generous financial incentives for filmmakers. The positive filming experience encourages international productions to choose Thailand as a primary location, highlighting its picturesque locations and tourist-friendly industry support.

The television series “The White Lotus” has captivated audiences with its mix of intriguing characters and stunning locations. The current third season, following previous settings in Hawaii and Italy, is set in Thailand, particularly at the Four Seasons in Koh Samui and Anantara Mai Khao in Phuket. This choice complements the show’s narrative while showcasing Thailand’s diverse beauty, aligning with the production’s reputation for spectacular backdrops.

In 2024, Thailand emerged as a premier filming location with 490 film and television productions, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels. Notable projects include Netflix’s “The Night Agent” filmed in Bangkok and Universal’s “Jurassic World Rebirth,” which utilized various scenic locations across Thailand, including Bangkok and Krabi. These developments underscore Thailand’s appeal as a primary site for international filmmakers.

The Thailand Film Office reported a steady increase in foreign productions despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supatana Sakpiyaphan, a tourism development officer, highlighted how Thailand managed to maintain film projects during the pandemic through organized guidelines, enabling 176 projects in 2020 and 121 in 2021. This adaptability attracted filmmakers who previously overlooked Thailand, leading to a growing trend of returning productions.

Thailand’s picturesque landscapes contribute significantly to its allure, boasting beautiful beaches and picturesque mountains. The Thai Tourism Office enhances this by collaborating with film crews and assisting with logistics. Compounding these advantages, the country has implemented more favorable financial incentives, doubling the cash rebate for foreign productions from 20% to 30%, making it increasingly economical to film in Thailand.

Financial incentives include a tiered rebate system based on production spending, allowing refunds of up to 25% for significant financial commitments. Additional bonuses can be obtained by employing local talent or conducting post-production within the country. Attention to these economic benefits has piqued interest from Hollywood, with indications of increased future collaborations.

As the film industry flourishes in Thailand, Sakpiyaphan emphasizes the importance of balancing work with leisure, suggesting that productions view their time in Thailand as an opportunity for both productivity and enjoyment. This message reinforces the cultural richness and hospitality of the region as an inviting backdrop for international filmmakers.

In summary, Thailand has established itself as an attractive filming destination, exemplified by productions like “The White Lotus.” Its stunning landscapes, supportive production environment, and generous financial incentives have lured numerous filmmakers. With film productions returning in record numbers, Thailand stands ready to accommodate the growing interest from the global entertainment industry, offering not just locations but also a unique cultural experience.

Original Source: variety.com