Thailand Film & Photography Production Services & Camera Crews
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Filming in Thailand
For an introduction to shooting in Thailand see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.
Thailand Film Locations
Offering uniquely Thai looks as well as a range of locations that easily double for other countries, Thailand is one of Asia’s most popular film destinations.
Thailand is known for its palm-fringed paradise white sand beaches, turquoise waters, spectacular underwater photography, paradise islands, modern villas, national parks, limestone cliffs, caves, tropical forests, mountains, picturesque waterfalls, markets, Buddhist temples, and traditional villages.
Agricultural film locations include rice terraces, as well as plantations of rubber trees, sugarcane, sunflowers, coffee, soybeans, palm oil, coconuts, corn, mangos, pineapples, durian, and bananas. Fishing boats are available for filming. Thailand has many shrimp farms. Industrial locations include machinery, automobile and electronics manufacturing plants. Thailand mines tungsten, tin, coal, zinc, gypsum, fluorite, tungsten, limestone, marble, gold, and gemstones such as sapphires. Energy locations include coal and gas fired power plants, hydroelectric dams, and wind and solar power farms.
Thailand has a long history of hosting productions including White Lotus (2023), F9: The Fast Saga (2021), Extraction (2020), The Impossible (2012), The Hangover II (2011), Rescue Dawn (2006), Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), Alexander (2004), The Beach (2000), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Street Fighter (1994), Heaven & Earth (1993), Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), The Killing Fields (1984), The Deer Hunter (1978), and The Man With the Golden Gun (1974), to name a few.
Film locations can be divided into the following regions:
Central Thailand
The central region includes the provinces of:
Bangkok. Bangkok is the capital, the largest city, and the main production centre where gear and crew are based. Bangkok doubled for Saigon in The Hangover II (2011), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Street Fighter (1994), Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), and The Deer Hunter (1978). The megacity offers a range of film locations including Buddhist temples, palaces, museums, markets, shanty towns, modern towers, and impressive hotels.
Dusit Palace buildings of note include Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Vimanmek Royal Teak Mansion, Suan Hong Residential Hall, Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, Tamnak Ho Throne Hall, The Royal Carriage Museum, and The Royal Elephant Museum.
Royal Grand Palace buildings of note include Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, and Borom Phiman Mansion.
Other Bangkok palaces of note include Phayathai Palace, and Bang Khun Phrom Palace.
Buddhist temples of note include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Saket, Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan, Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, Wat Bowonniwet, Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan, Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, Wat Ratchabophit, Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan, Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan, and Wat Suthat Thepwararam. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is a Hindu temple.
Museums of note include Jim Thompson House Museum, National Gallery, Museum of Contemporary Art, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, National Museum of Royal Barges, Bangkokian Museum, Bangkok Planetarium, Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Siriraj Medical Museum, and Museum Siam.
Markets and shopping centres of note include Chatuchak Weekend Market, Srinagarindra Train Night Market, Pratunam Market, ChangChui, Talad Neon, Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, Taling Chan Floating Market, Khwan Riam Floating Market, Or Tor Kor Market, Asiatique, MBK Center, and CentralWorld.
Bangkok has a vibrant Chinatown.
Hotels of note include Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, The Siam, Capella Bangkok, Bangkok Publishing Residence, The Peninsula Bangkok, and The Sukhothai Bangkok.
City parks of note include Lumphini Park, Benjakitti Park, Benchasiri Park, Rama IX Park, Wachirabenchathat Park, and Chatuchak Park.
Government buildings of note include Government House, Chaeng Watthana Government Complex, Sappaya-Sapasathan, Parliament House of Thailand, Supreme Court Building, and Ministry of Defence headquarters.
Chulalongkorn University campus is located in Bangkok.
Sport venues include Suphachalasai Stadium, Rajamangala National Stadium, New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, and Royal Bangkok Sports Club horse racing venue.
Transportation locations include Bangkok railway station, MRT Bangkok metro stations, Chao Phraya River ferries, Don Mueang International Airport, and Bangkok Port.
Khao San Road is a famous backpacker location that was filmed for The Beach (2000).
The Robot Building was designed by Sumet Jumsai.
Bangkok Airplane Graveyard is available for filming.
Ang Thong. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Muang, Wat Khun Inthapramun, Wat Chaiyo Worawihan, and Wat Tha It.
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam.
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace is a former summer palace.
Buddhist temples of note include Wat Phanan Choeng, Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Ram, Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Phu Khao Thong, Wat Na Phra Meru Rachikaram, Wat Phutthaisawan, Wat Lokaya Sutharam, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, Prasat Nakhon Luang, Wat Kasattrathirat, and Wat Tako.
Ayothaya Floating Market is located in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
Chachoengsao. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Saman Rattanaram, Wat Sothonwararam, Pak Nam Jolo Temple, Wat Wirachot Thammaram, and Wat Phrong Akat.
Ganesha Park Khlong Khuean has a large Ganesha statue.
Bang Khla Floating Market in located in Chachoengsao.
Chai Nat. Wat Khositaram is a Buddhist temple.
Chanthaburi. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is located in Chanthaburi.
Wat Paknam Khaem Nu is a Buddhist temple.
Namtok Phlio National Park has a landscape of forested mountains and waterfalls. Wildlife includes the serow, tiger, bear, barking deer, porcupine, macaque, langur, gibbon, mouse deer, pangolin, mongoose, otter, and a diversity of birdlife.
Chon Buri. Pattaya City is known for Pattaya Walking Street, Pattaya Floating Market, Pattaya Night Bazaar, Sukhawadee, Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya Beach, and Jomtien Beach.
Wang Saen Suk Hell Garden is located in Chon Buri.
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is located in this province.
Paradise islands of note include Ko Samae-San, Ko Lan, Ko Phai, Ko Sichang, Ko Sak, Ko Rin, and Ko Kham.
Buddhist temples include Wat Yansangwararam Woramahawihan.
Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi film locations include the Death Railway Bridge over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Death Railway Museum, JEATH War Museum, and JJ Night Market.
Buddhist temples of note include Wat Tham Suea, Wat Tham Pu Wa, Wat Ban Tham, and Wat Tham Khao Noi. Mueang Sing are Khmer temple ruins.
The River Kwai was filmed for the prison camp Russian roulette scene in The Deer Hunter (1978).
Tham Krasae Railway Bridge is an interesting film location.
Erawan National Park is a forested location best known for Erawan Falls. Wildlife includes the Asian elephant, Asian black bear, leopard cat, sambar deer, wild boar, lar gibbon, phayre’s leaf monkey, southern pig-tailed macaque, slow loris, and a diversity of birdlife, frogs, and snakes.
Khuean Srinagarindra National Park is a forested location best known for its waterfalls and caves. Waterfalls of note include Huay Mae Khamin Waterfall, Pha Tad Waterfall, and Pha Sawan Waterfall. Caves of note include Tham Sawan, Tham Neramit, Tham Phra Prang, Tham Nam Mut, and Tham Phra Kho.
Lop Buri. Phra Prang Sam Yod is a Khmer temple with a resident monkey population.
Wat Phrabat Nam Phu is a Buddhist temple.
Khao Chin Lae Sunflower Field is located in this province.
Nakhon Nayok. Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam is located in this province.
Nakhon Pathom. Buddhist temples of note include Phra Pathommachedi, Wat Sam Phran, Wat Don Wai, Wat Sisrathong, and Wat Bang Phra.
Other film locations include Sanam Chandra Palace, Jesada Technik Museum, Don Wai Floating Market, and Red Lotus Floating Market.
Nakhon Pathom has abandoned mansions available for filming.
Nonthaburi. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Borom Racha Kanjanapisek Anusorn, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Worawihan, Wat Bua Khwan, Wat Suan Kaew, Wat Sai Yai, and Wat Sanam Nuea.
Bang Kwang Central Prison, otherwise known as the Bangkok Hilton, is a prison that handles death row cases and prisoners serving long sentences.
Nonthaburi Museum is located in this province.
Pathum Thani. Wat Phra Dhammakaya is a spectacular Buddhist temple complex.
Museums of note include Supreme Artist Hall, National Science Museum, Information Technology Museum, and National Geological Museum.
Prachin Buri. Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Building is a European-style royal palace.
The Great Bodhi Tree is located in Prachin Buri.
Thap Lan National Park is the country’s second largest national park. Wildlife of note includes tigers, elephants, buffaloes, bangtang, serows, black bears, sun bears, crown gibbons, and a diversity of birdlife.
Phetchaburi. Buddhist temples of note include Tham Khao Luang cave temple, Wat Khao Takrao, and Wat Mahathat Worawihan.
Palaces of note include Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace, Phra Ram Ratchaniwet Palace, and Mrigadayavan Palace.
Kaeng Krachan National Park is Thailand’s largest national park. Wildlife includes Asian elephants, clouded leopards, sun bears, stump-tailed macaques, sambar deer, barking deer, dholes, golden jackals, gaurs, serows, yellow-throated martens, and a diversity of birdlife.
Prachuap Khiri Khan. Buddhist temples of note include Mahathat Chedi Phakdee Prakat, and Wat Thang Sai.
Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is located in this province.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is known for Phraya Nakhon Cave.
Kui Buri National Park is home to the Asian elephant, gaur, Malayan tapir, leopard, tiger, serow, gibbon, macaque, langur, sambar deer, Asiatic black bear, barking deer, and banteng.
Namtok Huai Yang National Park is known for its waterfalls and forests. Wildlife of note includes the Indochinese leopard, mainland serow, wild boar, Indian muntjac, Malayan porcupine, and a variety of monkeys and gibbons.
Ratchaburi. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located in Ratchaburi Province.
Khao Ngu Stone Park is a series of small limestone mountains.
Extraction (2020) filmed in Ratchaburi Province.
Rayong. Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park includes the paradise islands of Ko Samet, Ko Kudi, Ko Kruai, Ko Makham, Ko Plai Tin, Ko Chan, Ko Talu, Ko Klet Chalam, and Ko Thai Khang Kao.
Sa Kaeo. Pang Sida National Park is home to the Siamese crocodile, Asian elephant, gaur, dhole, leopard, Malayan sun bear, Asiatic black bear, white-handed gibbon, pig-tailed macaque, Sambar deer, barking deer, and a diversity of birdlife.
Sdok Kok Thom is a Khmer temple.
Samut Prakan. Ancient City Park is an outdoor museum park.
Buddhist temples include Wat Asokaram, Wat Bang Phli Yai Klang, Wat Mongkhon Khothawat, and Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai.
Erawan Museum is known for its giant three-headed elephant sculpture.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport serves Bangkok.
Bhumibol Bridge is available for filming.
Samut Sakhon. Buddhist temples include Wat Tha Mai, Wat Tha Krabue, Wat Ketmadi Sriwararam, and Wat Nang Sao.
Markets of note include Mahachai Market, Nong Phong Floating Market, and Ban Phaeo Floating Market.
Samut Songkhram. Markets of note include Amphawa Floating Market, Amphawa Floating Market, Bangnoi Floating Market, and Maeklong Railway Market which has a train passing through it.
Nativity of Our Lady Cathedral is located in Bang Nok Khwaek.
Saraburi. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Phra Phutthabat, Wat Phraphuttha Saengtham, and Wat Pa Sawang Bun.
Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park is known for its waterfall.
Namtok Sam Lan National Park is also known for its waterfalls.
Alexander (2004) filmed in Saraburi.
Sing Buri. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Pikul Thong Phra Aram Luang, Wat Pho Kao Ton, and Wat Phra Non Chak Si Worawihan.
Suphan Buri. Phu Toei National Park has a mountainous forest landscape.
Wat Phai Rong Wua is a Buddhist temple.
Trat. Ko Chang island is known for Lonely Beach, Klong Prao Beach, White Sand Beach, Wai Chaek Beach, Long Beach, and Cape Chai Chet.
Other paradise islands include Ko Kut, Ko Mak, Ko Wai, Ko Rang, Ko Kham, and Ko Kradat.
Soneva Kiri is a luxury resort.
Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand is a thickly forested part of Thailand known for its mountains and cooler temperatures.
The northern region includes the provinces of:
Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand.
Buddhist temples of note include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Umong, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Sri Suphan, Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, Wat Lok Moli, Wat Chet Yot, Wat Phantao, Wat Pha Lat, Wat Ban Den, Wat Tham Chiang Dao, and Wat Mae Kaet Noi which has a hell garden.
Bhubing Rajanives Palace is a royal residence.
Markets of note include the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Warorot Market, and Tha Pae Sunday Walking Street.
Doi Inthanon National Park includes the country’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. Waterfalls of note include Mae Klang Falls, Wachiratan Falls, Siriphum Falls, and Mae Ya Falls. Fang Hot Springs are located in the park. Wildlife of note include a diversity of birdlife, butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians. The park includes Karen and Meo Hmong villages.
Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary and rescue centre.
Tiger Kingdom is an interactive tiger park located in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai is the most northern province.
Buddhist temples of note include Wat Rong Khun, Wat Rong Suea Ten, Wat Huay Pla Kang, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan, Wat Tham Pla, and Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao.
Doi Tung Palace Mae Fah Luang is a former summer residence with botanical garden.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is an interesting film location.
Baan Dam Museum is located in Chiang Rai.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is a luxury resort.
Tham Luang Nang Non is a cave system.
Kamphaeng Phet. Khlong Lan National Park is known for its mountain forests, and waterfalls.
Lampang. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, Wat Kaew Don Tao Suchadaram, and Wat Doi Prachan Mae Tha.
Chae Son National Park is known for Chae Son Waterfall.
Doi Luang National Park is known for its mountain forests and waterfalls.
Lamphun. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Phrathat Haripunchai Woramahawihan, Wat Chamthewi, Wat San Pa Yang Luang, and Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak.
Mae Hong Son. Wat Phrathat Doi Kongmu is a Buddhist temple.
Tham Lot cave is located in Mae Hong Son.
Tham Pla–Namtok Pha Suea National Park is known for its caves, waterfalls and steep mountains.
Namtok Mae Surin National Park is known for Mae Surin Waterfall.
Nakhon Sawan. Wat Si Uthum Phon is a Buddhist temple.
Nan. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Phumin, Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng, Wat Phrathat Khao Noi, Wat Sri Panthon, and Wat Ming Muang.
Doi Phu Kha National Park has a mountain forest landscape that is home to a diversity of birdlife, reptiles, and amphibians.
Khun Nan National Park has a mountain forest landscape known for its waterfalls including Sapan Waterfall, Huai Ha Waterfall, Huai Ti, and Ban Den.
Phayao. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Si Khom Kham, Wat Nantaram, and Wat Phra Nang Din.
Phetchabun. Wat Phrathat Pha Sorn Kaew is a Buddhist temple.
Khao Kho National Park has a landscape of mountain forests. Wildlife of note includes the Asian elephant, Asian golden cat, lemur, porcupine, slow loris, and a diversity of birdlife.
Nam Nao National Park has a landscape of forests, bamboo, and grasslands. Wildlife of note includes the Asian elephant, Assam macaque, barking deer, gaur, golden jackal, leopard, Malayan porcupine, sun bear, tiger, white-handed gibbon, yellow-throated marten, and a diversity of birdlife.
Phitsanulok. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is a Buddhist temple.
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park has a mountain forest landscape. Wildlife of note includes the Asian black bear, Asian golden cat, barking deer, hog badger, Indochinese serow, leopard, leopard cat, and a diversity of birdlife.
Phu Soi Dao National Park has a landscape of mountain forests. Wildlife of note include the Asian black bear, Asian palm civet, barking deer, Burmese hare, mainland serow, Malayan porcupine, sambar deer, and a diversity of birdlife.
Namtok Chat Trakan National Park is known for Chat Trakan Waterfall.
Phichit. Wat Tha Luang is a Buddhist temple.
Phrae. Wat Phrathat Suthon Mongkhon Khiri is a Buddhist temple.
Sukhothai. Sukhothai Historical Park is known for its Buddhist temple and royal palace ruins. Temples of note include Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum, Wat Si Sawai, Wat Sa Si, Wat Phra Phai Luang, Wat Chang Lom, and Wat Traphang Thong.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park is known for its Buddhist temple and royal palace ruins.
Tak. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Thai Wattanaram, and Wat Phra Borommathat.
Thi Lo Su Waterfall is a beautiful film location.
Namtok Pha Charoen National Park is known for its mountain forests, and waterfalls.
Taksin Maharat National Park is home to Thailand’s largest tree, forests, caves, and waterfalls.
Bhumibol Dam is located in Tak province.
Uthai Thani. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Tham Khao Wong, and Wat Chantaram.
Northeast Thailand
Northeastern Thailand is the less-explored corner of the country. Mostly rural, filmmakers and photographers can find vast rice fields, buffalo in muddy ponds, and Mekong River vistas.
The northeastern region includes the provinces of:
Amnat Charoen. Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park is known for its mountain lotus pools.
Bueng Kan. Wat Phu Tok is a temple carved into a mountain.
Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary is a landscape of forested hills along the Mekong River. Wildlife of note includes elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, pheasants, monkeys, and gibbons.
Hin Sam Wan is a rock structure that looks like a family of whales.
Buri Ram. Hindu Khmer temples of note include Phanom Rung, and Muang Tam.
Khao Kradong Forest Park is a forest park with a Suphatthara Bophit Buddha statue.
Buriram International Circuit is a motorsport race track located in Buriram.
Chang Arena is a football stadium.
Chaiyaphum. Pa Hin Ngam National Park is known for its unusual rock formations.
Sai Thong National Park is known for its waterfalls and wildflowers.
Tat Ton National Park is known for the beautiful Tat Ton Waterfall.
Phu Laen Kha National Park is known for its rock formations.
Kalasin. Sirindhorn Museum has dinosaur fossils.
Khon Kaen. Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon is a nine-story stupa.
Phu Pha Man National Park is known for its limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and caves that see a daily flight of bats at dusk.
Nam Phong National Park is known for its rock structures.
Phu Wiang National Park is known for its dinosaur fossils.
Loei. Phu Kradueng National Park is known for its mountain forests, cliffs, and waterfalls. Wildlife of note includes elephants, bears, sambar deer, barking deer, serow, foxes, white-handed gibbons, crab-eating macaques, and a diversity of birdlife.
Phu Ruea National Park is known for its mountain forests and waterfalls. Wildlife includes the sun bear, northern red muntjac, sambar deer, and dhole.
Maha Sarakham is mostly covered with rice fields.
Mukdahan. Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom is a Buddhist temple compound.
Phu Pha Thoep National Park is known for its unusual rock formations.
Nakhon Phanom. Wat Phra That Phanom is a Buddhist temple.
Phu Langka National Park is known for its mountain forests and waterfalls.
Nakhon Ratchasima. Phimai Historical Park is one of the largest Hindu Khmer temples in Thailand.
Wat Ban Rai is a temple with an elephant mosaic shrine.
Khao Yai National Park has a landscapes of forested mountains. Waterfalls of note include Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall, Haew Narok Waterfall, and Haew Su Wat Waterfall which featured in The Beach (2000). Wildlife of note include the Asian elephant, sun bear, Asian black bear, dhole, jackal, pig-tailed macaque, gaur, muntjac, sambar deer, barking deer, and porcupine.
Nong Bua Lamphu. Phu Kao–Phu Phan Kham National Park is known for its mountain forests, rock structures, and waterfalls.
Nong Khai. Wat Pho Chai is a Buddhist temple.
Roi Et. Temples of note include Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram, and Wat Burapha Phiram.
Sakon Nakhon. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Tham Pha Daen, and Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Woriwihan.
Phu Pha Yon National Park is a landscape of mountain forests and waterfalls. Wildlife of note includes the barking deer, sambar deer, wild boar, and dhole.
Si Sa Ket. Wat Phrai Phatthana is a Buddhist temple.
Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaeo is made of millions of glass bottles.
Khao Phra Wihan National Park is known for its forests and cliffs.
Surin. Prasat Sikhoraphum is a Khmer temple.
Surin City Pillar Shrine is located in Surin.
Ubon Ratchathani. Buddhist temples of note Wat Sirindhorn Wararam, and Wat Phra That Nong Bua.
Pha Taem National Park is known for its Petroglyphs and mushroom-shaped rock pillars.
Kaeng Thana National Park is known for its forests and rivers.
Alexander (2004) filmed in Ubon Ratchathani.
Udon Thani. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Pa Phu Kon, Wat Thipphayaratnimit, and Wat Pothisomphon.
Red Lotus Lake is known for its pink lilies.
Yasothon. Wiman Phaya Tan is a giant toad building.
Southern Thailand
Southern Thailand is known for its spectacular limestone islands with white sand beaches and turquoise seas.
The southern region includes the provinces of:
Chumphon. Mu Ko Chumphon National Park consists of a group of tropical paradise islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
Krabi is famous for its paradise islands and beaches.
Maya Bay in Ko Phi Phi Leh was filmed for The Beach (2000). Other paradise islands in Krabi include Ko Phi Phi Don, Ko Hong, Ko Poda, Ko Kai, Ko Phak Bia, Ko Lao Rakhing, Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Mai Phai, Ko Yawa, Ko Lao Lading, and Ko Ha.
Railay Beach and Ton Sai Beach have magnificent limestone cliffs popular with rock climbers. Other paradise film locations in this area include Phra nang Cave Beach, and Ao Nang Beach.
Emerald Pool is a beautiful location in a forest setting.
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is known for its rainforests and waterfalls. Wildlife of note include the clouded leopard, Sumatran serow, tapir, Asian black bear, mouse deer, langur, lar gibbon, stump-tailed macaque, and a diversity of birdlife including the helmeted hornbill.
Temples of note include Wat Tham Suea, and Wat Maha That Wichiramongkol.
Phulay Bay Ritz-Carlton was filmed for The Hangover II (2011).
Nakhon Si Thammarat. Buddhist temples of note include Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, and Wat That Noi.
Beaches of note include Sichon Beach, Nai Phlao Beach, Kho Khao Beach, Phlai Dam Beach, and Khanom Beach.
Narathiwat is the southeastern most province. The majority of the population is Muslim.
Pattani. Wat Chang Hai Rat Buranaram, and Pattani Central Mosque are located in this province.
Phang Nga. Khao Lak Orchid Beach Resort featured in The Impossible (2012).
Takua Pa Hospital featured in The Impossible (2012).
Paradise islands include Ko Yao, Ko Kho Khao, and Ko Khai Nok. Khao Phing Kan and Ko Tapu featured in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), and The Man With the Golden Gun (1974).
Similan Islands are an archipelago consisting of 11 paradise islands in the Andaman Sea. The Similan Islands National Park protects a diversity of marine and birdlife including whale sharks, and sea turtles.
Surin Islands are an archipelago of five paradise islands in the Andaman Sea.
Phatthalung. Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park is known for its rainforest, waterfalls, and caves. Wildlife includes the palm civet, ground beetle, serow, and yellow-throated marten.
Phuket. Beaches of note include Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Karon Beach, Nai Harn Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Kamala Beach, Surin Beach, Freedom Beach, Mai Khao Beach, Nai Thon Beach, Jungle Beach, Rawai Beach, and Patong Beach.
Sirinat National Park is known for its beautiful beaches.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is located in Phuket.
Wat Chalong is a Buddhist temple.
Luxury resorts include Amanpuri, Six Senses Yao Noi, Banyan Tree Phuket, Rosewood Phuket, and Keemala Phuket.
Phuket FantaSea is a theme park.
King View Resort is an abandoned film location.
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), The Beach (2000), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), and Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) filmed in Phuket.
Ranong. Rattana Rangsan Palace is located in Ranong.
Laem Son National Park is a marine park that protects rainforest, beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove swamps.
Paradise islands of note include Ko Chang, Ko Phayam, and Ko Kam Tok.
Songkhla. The city of Songkhla is known for its Old Town, Songkhla National Museum, Wat Laem Pho, and Samila Beach.
Hat Yai City is known for Khlong Hae Floating Market, Kim Yong Market, Hat Yai Park, Wat Hat Yai Nai, and the Central Mosque of Songkhla Province.
Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its waterfall.
Khao Nam Khang National Park is a rainforest landscape that is home to wildlife such as the wild boar, sun bear, mainland serow, southern pig-tailed macaque, barking deer, gibbon, Malayan tapir, black leopard, mouse-deer, and palm civet.
Songkhla Lake is the largest lake in Thailand.
Satun. Paradise islands include Ko Lao Liang, Ko Phetra, Ko Khao Yai, Ko Lipe, Ko Tarutao, Ko Bulon Le, Ko Hin Ngam, Ko Hin Son, and Ko Ro Khloi.
Wang Sai Thong Waterfall is a beautiful film location.
Thale Ban National Park has a rainforest landscape that is home to the Malayan tapir, Sumatran serow, marbled cat, tiger, leopard cat, sun bear, and a diversity of birdlife.
Surat Thani is located on the Gulf of Thailand.
Ko Samui island is known for its luxury resorts, beautiful homes, beach bungalows, and night markets. Beach of note include Maenam Beach, Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Bo Phut Beach. Wat Plai Laem is a Buddhist temple. The Four Seasons is a luxury hotel with a private beach.
Ko Pha-ngan island is known for its monthly Full Moon Party. Beaches of note include Hat Rin Beach, Thong Nai Pan Beach, Lipa Noi Beach, Haad Yao Beach, Salad Beach, Secret Beach, and Bottle Beach.
Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan islands are known for their underwater photography and rock climbing locations.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is a marine park including an archipelago of 42 islands.
Khao Sok National Park is a limestone mountain range. Wildlife includes the Malayan tapir, Asian elephant, tiger, sambar deer, sun bear, gaur, banteng, serow, wild boar, pig-tailed macaque, langur, white handed gibbon, muntjak, mouse deer, and barking deer.
Trang. Paradise islands include Ko Kradan, Ko Muk, Ko Rok Noi, Ko Rok Yai, Ko Chueak, and Koh Libong.
Hat Chao Mai National Park is a marine national park.
Yala. Bang Lang National Park is known for its rainforest and waterfalls.
Thailand Film Location Permits
Thailand is on the whole a film friendly country. Productions with a minimal footprint are quick and easy to permit. Larger more complicated shoots come with a lot of red tape and require plenty of lead time and patience for various authorities to approve permits. Bangkok does not offer any city-wide permits, so you will need permits for each location you want to film. Some locations have restricted hours of use such as Chinatown which can only have traffic controlled on weekends or nights. Special permits are required for filming in National Parks and Historical Parks. Filming topics including anything to do with the monarchy or religion are the most problematic for obtaining permission. Filming with the military can be tricky. An experienced fixer / producer is essential to navigate the intricacies and sensitivities.
Please contact us for more location specific information.
To apply for film permits, our Thai service producer / fixer will require a final list of locations, crew and talent list, complete schedule, passport scans and current photos of visiting crew. Processed permits can be changed with a few days notice, depending on the extent of the changes.
A fee must also be paid for a Film Board minder who will be assigned to check on your project.
When To Shoot?
Thailand is a tropical country with a hot, humid climate particularly in the jungle interior, with cooler temperatures on the coast and in the mountainous north. The best time to shoot for weather is during the warm, dry season from November to February. Thailand gets very hot and humid from March to June. The monsoon wet season runs from June to October. Underwater photography is possible all year round with the best visibility in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September, and the Andaman Sea from October to April. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Most festivals and events are based on Thailand’s Buddhist traditions.
• Magha Puja is a Buddhist festival in February / March.
• Phi Ta Khon Festival is held in Dan Sai sometime between March and July.
• Songkran is held in April.
• Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival in Yasothon takes place during a full moon in May.
• Rayong Fruit Festival takes place in May.
• Phichit Long Boat Race takes place in September.
• Phuket Vegetarian Festival takes place in October.
• Loy Kratong is held in November.
• Surin Elephant Round-up takes place in November.
• Ko Pha Ngan’s Full Moon Parties take place every month.
Thailand is a predominately Buddhist country, with a Muslim minority that lives mainly in the south of the country.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Thailand.
Unique Local Stories
Brands are looking for local stories that match their brand narrative. Our local teams are a great lead for sourcing those unique stories and characters.
If you are looking for stories for your next shoot, send us your brief and we will pitch you ideas.
If you have a unique story you would like to pitch to a brand anywhere in the world, pitch us your idea. We have well-established processes to ensure that your ideas are properly seen and protected.
Costs & Tax Incentives
Costs. Thailand is one of the more expensive countries to shoot in South East Asia. On the whole, compared to other countries offering the same high standard of production services, Thailand offers very good value for money. Our Thai fixer / service producer will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.
Tax Incentives. Thailand offers a cash rebate of up to 20% which consists of 15% to any production that incurs a minimum local spend of THB50 million (USD1.5 million), plus an extra 3% if a production hires local talent in lead roles, and another 2% if the project is deemed to promote tourism to Thai. The incentive is available to feature films and TV productions.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. Thailand has some of the best DoP’s in the region as well as some of the most highly awarded directors in the world. There are no unions as such, rather an unwritten accepted rate and working hours. Thailand has very experienced English speaking crews (including stunt crews and riggers) so there is no need to bring in key crew unless the shoot requires something very specific. The best crews book up quickly and charge premium rates. Local crews have a reputation of being professional and a pleasure to work with.
Contact us if you are looking for a Bangkok based director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew for your shoot in Thailand.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable.
Thai is the official language. English is widely spoken.
Thais are the main ethnic group. Hill tribe peoples include the Akha, Lahu, Karen, Hmong, Mien and Lisu. Kayan women wear brass neck rings which give the illusion of lengthened necks.
Local actors generally don’t have agents and there are no standardized talent rates and rules. There is a regular flow of foreign models and actors who live and work in Thailand for extended periods of time but generally speaking, English speaking roles, particularly for non Thai talent, are best cast abroad. Thailand’s large pool of part-time residents and vacationers from all over the world can help fill non-featured roles. Thailand also has a pool of animal actors including Asian elephants.
Thailand Film Equipment
Equipment. Thailand is Arri based. Most standard camera, grip and lighting equipment is available in Thailand including some more specialised gear such as Motion Control, underwater housing, Baan Rig, Super Techno 30 crane with 3-axis Z-Head, and 3-axis stabilised Flight Head III (Filmotechnic). There are also many options for drone photography. Additional gear can easily be brought in from Hong Kong or Singapore. For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Thailand is an ATA carnet member country.
Communications. Communication is key. Our agility and global experience allows us to customise the right communications systems for every shoot.
Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing.
For clients that are unable to attend set we offer a virtual video village solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple timezones to view setups without compromise and to participate in real-time with the team on set. Separate systems can be set up for the discrete conversations that are required to make a job run right. Working remotely with our local teams reduces your content production costs, turnaround times, carbon footprint, and risks associated with unpredictable global events.
Art Department, Studios, Backlots, & Post Production
Art department. Traditional rental houses don’t really exist so much projects will need to build from scratch. Fortunately Thailand has very experienced art department key crew, and set construction crews are hard working, flexible and experienced. Thailand is also a great place to rent otherwise difficult to access props, such as F16 jet fighters, and other sophisticated military equipment.
Studios. MoonStar is the largest studio compound available although there are several other studios scattered around Bangkok.
Backlots. At present no backlots exist.
Post Production. Processing and post production facilities are of an international standard.
Visas & Work Permits
Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Crews entering on Western passports can enter Thailand visa-free. If the visiting crew is working less than 15 days, permission must be sought from the Department of Employment. Crews planning to stay for longer than 15 days need to have a work permit. Our local Thai fixer / service producer is able to apply for permits on behalf of visiting crew members. Contact your local Thai embassy / representative for more information.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Majors roads are paved and up to international standards. Rural roads can be slower going, particularly during the monsoon season. Bangkok has heavy traffic congestion but police escorts can be organised for a small fee. Bangkok International Airport is a major international hub. Several airlines service low-cost domestic flights throughout Thailand.
Accommodation. Contact us for film friendly hotels and residences in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ko Samui, and other parts of Thailand. Hotels of note include:
Final Notes
Safety. See here for up to date travel advice.
Final Notes. Delicious Thai cuisine, friendly people, Thai massage, agreeable weather and a vibrant nightlife help make Thailand a great place to shoot.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, stills campaigns, online content, corporate videos, virtual reality 360 content, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Thailand, please see below:
Hire Thailand Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Thailand, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Thailand, such as a director, DoP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
