HomeSoutheast Asian Media Studiesvol. 1 no. 2 (2019)

Thailand as a Foreign Film Production Destination: Developments and Challenges from 2016 to 2018

Alexander J. Klemm

 

Abstract:

Foreign film production is a vital source of revenue for Thailand, a job creator and a stimulator of tourism. This article seeks to outline and assess the developments and challenges of Thailand as a foreign film production destination from 2016 to 2018. To this end, it analyzes statistics of annual revenue, production types and the nationalities connected to foreign film projects and discusses the Thailand Film Office’s marketing strategy and activities. Within the context of film-induced tourism, the article also contextualizes the temporary closure of Maya Bay. The results show that (1) the TFO’s promotional strategy is effective as it includes the dissemination of marketing materials and the organization of an annual film festival, competitions and other events that foster international cooperation; (2) Japanese, Indian and continental European productions are the most numerous; (3) the intensity of foreign filmmaking activity in Thailand fluctuates year by year but has stabilized at a high level during the 2016-2018-period; and (4) the high 2018-revenue figures can be attributed in part to the new tax incentives.