What Our Local Film Fixers Have to Say About Filming on Location in Thailand
Thailand offers a unique combination of stunning filming locations, skilled crews, and a well-established production infrastructure. The country boasts an incredible variety of locations, including beaches, private islands, jungles, rooftops, urban areas, and over 50 sound stages.
Popular filming locations include Bangkok, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Phuket, and Koh Samui. Other notable sites include Railway Beach, Similan Island, The Grand Palace, Phang Nga Bay, Ao Nang, Chatuchak Market, Erawan National Park, Khao Sok National Park, and Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets.
The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB).
If you are interested to film in this region, please visit our REGIONS WE FIX IN page for more information on Visa Applications, crew and equipment, drone permits and safety & security.
Climate
Thailand has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, peaking at around 30°C in April and May. The monsoon season lasts from summer through October, with the heaviest rainfall in September. January and February are typically the driest months.
Thailand Location Permits
A location permit and a filming permit are not the same. A filming permit is required by the Thai government, while a location permit is granted by the land or property owner.
Obtaining location permits in Thailand can be a complex process, and working with a local production company is highly recommended to secure the necessary written permissions.
What Our Local Film Fixers Have to Say About Equipment and Film Crew in Thailand
Equipment Hire & Entry Requirements
Thailand has nine major equipment suppliers offering a wide range of cameras, including Arri, Moviecam, Panavision, Phantom, RED, Sony, and Panasonic HD. Grip and lighting equipment are readily available, along with cranes, dollies, camera cars, low loaders, quad tracks, bike rigs, wire rigs, fly cams, stunt cams, rain and smoke SFX, pyrotechnics, and armory.
Equipment is not available for dry-hire—gear rentals come with crew members who are responsible for its operation.
For productions bringing in equipment, the ATA Carnet system is the most efficient approach.
Local Crew
Thai film crews are well-trained by international professionals, and many speak fluent English, making collaboration seamless.
Tax Incentives and Credits
Thailand offers a streamlined process for film incentive approvals. To qualify, productions must spend at least $1.4 million USD locally. Incentive payments are capped at approximately $2.17 million USD.
Thailand’s tax rebate typically ranges from 15% to 20%, with an additional 3% bonus for hiring Thai key crew members and another 2% bonus for projects that promote Thai tourism.
To access these incentives, a local film board coordinator must manage the application process and liaise with Thai government offices before, during, and after production. The expected rebate return time is between 6 months and 1 year.
Thailand Drone Laws
To legally fly a drone in Thailand, permits must be obtained from both the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
The application process involves additional validation from the National Intelligence Agency, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, and the Immigration Bureau. Due to the complexity of the approval process, working with an experienced local production company is recommended.
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