Issue 14: 31 October 2014

Thailand has a growing reputation as a great location for international films, but as the head of the Thailand Film Office notes, there is much more to the country than just a pretty face.

Thailand is providing a spectacular backdrop for many international films

Hundreds of foreign films have been shot in Thailand over the years as the country becomes ever more popular as a movie making destination. Global producers are drawn to the kingdom by its unique combination of beautiful natural backdrops, high expertise and low costs, according to the head of the Thai film industry.

“The diverse landscape, from exotic jungle to beach settings, as well as lower production costs – around 20% [less] – and a domestic film industry that provides a team of experienced crew members, have made Thailand an attractive location for many foreign film productions,” says Ubolwan Sucharitakul, Director of the Thailand Film Office.

Not only striking locations, but Thai creativity and craftsmanship have drawn Hollywood, Bollywood and many film industries from different countries to choose Thailand for production and location shoots. Sucharitakul adds that the country has developed a reputation for its set construction.

“In the movie Shanghai, 90% of the whole story was shot in Thailand, and the art department created the traditional Chinese setting,” she says. “When you are on set you can smell the Chinese tea shop. You get the feeling of an old town in China.”

By providing a full service at lower costs, Thailand could become a hub for film production as well as a tourist destination. “We welcome production companies to come to Thailand not just because of our locations, but to utilise Thai-based production services such as set construction, experienced crew, stunts people, costume and make-up artists, equipment and post production work including sound and digital services,” adds Sucharitakul.

Such work can do more positive good for the country’s image than any tourism campaign. “In addition to providing work for Thai film crews and extras, films that use Thailand as a location help Thailand promote itself as a tourist destination,” she says.

Sucharitakul cites the example of the island of Ko Khao Tapoo just off Phuket, which used to be known as “nail” island, but ever since The Man with the Golden Gun was shot there, has been called “James Bond Island”. Even now, some 40 years later, tour operators promote trips to “James Bond Island” from Phuket.

According to Sucharitakul, providing the right incentive for foreign production teams to come to Thailand is an important part of the Thai Film Office’s planned investment in the country’s film industry.

“We have discussed with the Department of International Trade Promotion to create some kind of incentive to draw more film industries to come to Thailand,” she says. “Even though the plan is still at a discussion stage, … right now our quality film production services and locations could be the incentive itself.”

Words by Natthinee Ratanaprasidhi