Lights! Cameras! Thailand! With The White Lotus and the upcoming release of Jurassic World raising the Kingdom’s profile, Thai policymakers are increasing incentives and perks to draw more film and television productions to the Land of Smiles.

“Thailand rolls out red carpet for global filmmakers,” wrote The Nation newspaper, adding that the Kingdom “is firmly establishing itself as a prime destination for international film crews, capitalizing on the recent success of high-profile productions.”

To encourage filmmakers to choose Thailand the Department of Tourism recently increased the maximum "cash rebate" on productions to 30 percent, on top of additional perks for foreign production companies. The Department has set a goal of raking in $300 million in revenues from film shoots and services in 2025, a 25 percent increase over its initial target.

In 2024, the Kingdom hosted 491 foreign productions, generating over $198 million for the Thai economy. The momentum continued in the first three months of 2025, during which Thailand attracted 155 foreign film productions and earned $53 million in revenue.

The Department has requested a higher budget allocation from the Government to pay for the rebates and to fund services for film crews.

"The reason for seeking this additional funding is the number of major films and series choosing Thailand as their location, including the likes of The White Lotus Season 3 and Jurassic World," said Chaturon Phakdeewanich, the director-general of the Department of Tourism.

Jurassic World, the latest in the hit series that began with Jurassic Park, was shot in Thailand and is set for release in July. It is just the latest on a long list of Hollywood films shot in the Kingdom beginning with Around the World in 80 Days in the 1950s and including notables such as The Deer Hunter, The Hangover Part II, The Man With the Golden Gun, Rambo, Star Wars III, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, The Beach and many others.

Photo: www.komchadluek.net/entertainment/drama-series/599391