Documentation for requesting permission to shoot foreign films in a national park, in case of a short shooting period

     Thailand's revenue from foreign film production in the country has been increasing and expanding continuously. From 2017 to 2021, the average annual income was approximately 3.5 billion baht, with the year 2021 generating revenue of around 5.007 billion baht. The government has implemented measures to promote foreign film production, particularly in national parks. Filmmakers who wish to shoot in national parks, especially those with a short shooting period, must obtain permission from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation and prepare the necessary documents for permission, as follows:

1. National ID card;
2. Certificate of a juristic person issued not more than 6 months from the date of issuance of the document. The original certification of a juristic person must be presented on the day of application, along with true certified copies of all documents, including the purpose of the juristic person and its bylaws. (All copies of documents must be signed to certify true copies.);
3. Letter to the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (1 original copy), specifying the details of the shooting, date, time, location, and filming location within the park. The applicant or authorized signatory must sign;
4. Permit from the Department of Tourism containing the shooting details and the filming schedule, including a request to film in the park;
5. Notification to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation if the filming period differs from the permit received from the Department of Tourism. (The requester must submit a notification letter to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Still, it must not exceed the timeframe allowed by the Department of Tourism for filming permission.);
6. Storyboard, plays, screenplays, or program scripts to be filmed in the park;
7. A set design or scene sample (1 original copy) specifying details of the location where the scene is constructed, including the blueprint and specific details of which scene is used in the attached screenplay;
8. Letter of guarantee for damages (1 original copy), in cases of bringing equipment for filming into the park. A guarantee letter issued by a commercial bank in the amount of 2,000,000 baht is required, and the letter will be returned when it is found that no damage has been caused to the park after filming;
9. Application for permission to film movies, videos, or documentaries or to take pictures in national parks, forest parks, botanic gardens, and arboretums (1 original copy);
10. Application for extension of the validity period of the filming permits for movies, videos, or documentaries, or for taking pictures in national parks, forest parks, botanic gardens, and arboretums (1 original copy), in the case of extending the duration of the operation to apply;
11. Application for a replacement permit for filming movies, videos, or documentaries or for taking pictures in national parks, forest parks, botanic gardens, and arboretums (1 original copy);
12. Power of attorney (1 original copy), in cases of authorizing others to act on their behalf;
13. Terms and conditions attached to the filming permits for movies, videos, or documentaries or for taking pictures in national parks, forest parks, botanic gardens, and arboretums (1 original copy). Applicant signs and acknowledges the terms and conditions attached to the license and application, along with supporting documents.

Data updated on April 15, 2023 

Source: Digital Government Development Agency

Tel. +66 2612 6060