Hollywood's sights set on Thailand's captivating dreamscapes
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Thailand, known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture, has become an increasingly popular destination for film productions. These cinematic ventures not only showcase the country's natural beauty but also contribute significantly to its tourism industry.
One such film that put Thailand on the global map was "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which was filmed in Phi Phi Leh. The movie sparked a tourist boom in the region, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the breathtaking locations firsthand [1].
More recently, Thailand has attracted big-budget international films like Jurassic World: Dominion. The movie, which features Thailand's dramatic landscapes such as Hat Chao Mai, Khao Phanom Bencha, and Ao Phang Nga National Parks, has served as a stunning real-world backdrop for global audiences, helping to boost Thailand’s image as an attractive travel destination [1][2].
The Thai government has incentivized foreign film productions by developing strong film production infrastructure and offering support to facilitate these projects. This strategic focus on leveraging the country’s biodiversity and scenic spots has made Thailand a competitive and appealing location for Hollywood productions, which in turn drive tourism and economic benefits [1].
The trend of visiting filming locations of favourite TV shows or blockbuster movies is popular, and Thailand offers a cashback of up to 30 percent of foreign film productions' expenses [1]. This incentive has been appreciated by many Asian productions, including those from India, South Korea, and China.
One such production is the award-winning HBO series "The White Lotus", which was filmed on the island of Koh Samui. The choice of Koh Samui for this series led to an increase in search queries on travel agencies, indicating a potential rise in tourism for the location [2].
Another example is the island of Khao Phing Kan near Phuket, where parts of the movie "The Man with the Golden Gun" were filmed. Known as "James Bond Island" in Thailand, it attracts visitors seeking to explore the iconic filming location [1].
The influx to Maya Bay was better regulated after a multi-year closure from 2018, ensuring a sustainable tourism approach [2].
Jurassic fans will be drawn to filming locations in Krabi province for the movie "Jurassic World: Dominion". In fact, a theme park called "Jurassic World: The Experience" is set to open in Bangkok in August [1].
The Thai Film Office has promoted Thailand as a "film paradise" on its Facebook page, highlighting the country's diverse range of backdrops, including bustling cities, dream vacation destinations, and wild national parks [1].
Recent U.S. productions filmed in Thailand include the science fiction action thriller "The Creator" by Gareth Edwards and the war drama-comedy "The Greatest Beer Run Ever". Many Vietnam scenes in "The Greatest Beer Run Ever" were shot in Bangkok and Hua Hin, Thailand [1].
The economic benefits of these film productions are significant. Hotel occupancy in Krabi and Koh Samui has increased by 10 to 30 percent due to productions like "The White Lotus" [2]. In the first six months of the year, around 2.8 billion Thai Baht (around 75 million Euros) flowed into the Thai economy from international film shoots [2].
In summary, film productions like Jurassic World: Dominion act as de facto marketing campaigns for Thailand tourism while providing direct economic benefits. These benefits are supported indirectly and strategically by government policies encouraging foreign filming in the country [1][2].
References:
[1] The Nation. (2022, June 27). Film productions boost Thailand's tourism industry. Retrieved from https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40012648
[2] Bangkok Post. (2022, June 27). Film shoots boost tourism, economy. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2047136/film-shoots-boost-tourism-economy
- The success of film productions like "Jurassic World: Dominion" in showcasing Thailand's dramatic landscapes has significantly boosted the country's image as an attractive destination for travel and entertainment, driving a rise in tourism and economic benefits.
- The trend of visiting filming locations of favorite movies or TV shows has resulted in an increase in search queries for destinations like Koh Samui, due to series like "The White Lotus" being filmed there, suggesting a potential surge in tourism for these locations.
