Boosting Foreign Filming in Thailand through Incentive Measures

The Government stressed its intention to continue to promote foreign filming in Thailand in order to bring more income to the country and make Thailand’s “soft power” better known internationally.

Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke said that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was pleased with the report that Apple, an American multinational technology company, had used Thailand as a film shoot location for its advertisement video “The Underdogs: OOO” (Out Of Office) | Apple at Work (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbYckRAt5os).

He said that the content in this video presented Thailand’s soft power through joyful travel experience in the country. It also features some cultural attractions and Thai food, which is one of Thailand’s significant soft power sectors, as well as other items, such as traditional Thai massage, tricycles tuk tuk, and Thai clothes.

Moreover, the Government Spokesperson said that the video also reflected the form of “working from anywhere” in Thailand, where remote workers can easily combine work and play. The country has high quality internet connection and modern facilities and services for remote work. 

Thailand recently introduced the new visa measure “Destination Thailand Visa (DTV),” which took effect on 15 July 2024. Remote workers, “digital nomads,” and freelancers may apply for this visa, which allows them to stay in Thailand up to 180 days per visit, on a multiple-entry basis within five years.

Under the “Thailand Film Incentive Measures,” the Thai government has offered incentives to encourage foreign filmmakers to film in Thailand. For instance, a cash rebate of up to 20 percent is provided for film production spending over 150 million baht (about US$4.2 million). 

Statistics compiled by the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, show that, from January to July 2024, a total of 259 foreign movies have so far been filmed in Thailand by 31 countries and territories. Out of this number, 106 were commercials. These films were produced in 48 provinces, with an investment of 3.88 billion baht.