‘The White Lotus’ is filming its third season in Thailand, reflecting the country’s status as a top production location with 490 projects in 2024. The Thailand Film Office highlights the success post-pandemic, driven by supportive guidelines and increased financial incentives. With picturesque landscapes and potential cash rebates of up to 30%, Thailand attracts growing interest from Hollywood filmmakers, emphasizing a balance between work and leisure.
‘The White Lotus’ continues to captivate audiences, featuring new characters and the familiar intrigue of a murder mystery. This Emmy-winning series showcases attractive locations; the current season is filmed in Thailand, primarily at the Four Seasons in Koh Samui and Anantara Mai Khao in Phuket. This shift in location from Hawaii and Italy marks the show’s ongoing evolution.
In 2024, Thailand hosted 490 film and television productions, the highest volume since before the pandemic. Notable productions include Netflix’s ‘The Night Agent’ and FX’s ‘Alien: Earth.’ In addition, Universal’s upcoming ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ includes scenes filmed in various Thai locations such as Bangkok and Krabi.
The Thailand Film Office highlights that, while the pandemic devastated many entertainment industries, it served as a turning point for Thailand’s filming landscape. Supatana Sakpiyaphan of the Thailand Film Office emphasized that pandemic protocols allowed 176 projects to continue in 2020. Filmmakers discovered Thailand as a viable production hub, prompting increased foreign productions over the subsequent years.
Thailand offers breathtaking scenery, from stunning beaches in the south to lush mountains in the north. The Thai Tourism Office facilitates collaborations with productions, ensuring support through the filmmaking process. Financial incentives are also crucial; cash rebates for productions increased from 20% to 30% last year, significantly attracting foreign filmmakers.
Rebates vary based on spending levels, with potential for additional incentives for employing Thai nationals or promoting local tourism. Recent discussions with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) suggest an optimistic outlook for Hollywood’s interest in Thailand, as reflected in the recent 62 productions filmed in January alone.
Furthermore, Sakpiyaphan emphasizes the importance of balancing work and leisure, aptly labeling Thailand as the ideal ‘workation’ destination. Productions are encouraged to enjoy the beauty and culture that the country has to offer while completing their projects.
In conclusion, Thailand’s scenic landscapes and favorable financial incentives position it as a premier filming destination. With significant production numbers rebounding post-pandemic and increased interest from Hollywood, the country’s film industry is poised for growth. The collaborative efforts of the Thai Tourism Office and the appeal of attractive cash rebates further solidify Thailand’s status in the global film landscape. Filmmakers are reminded to experience both work and leisure in the Land of Smiles.
Original Source: variety.com
