BANGKOK, 21 February 2012 – The Department of Tourism has indicated that Thailand has become a popular filming location among movie makers, with over 50 requests to use Thailand as a filming location in just one month.
Director of the Thailand Film Office, under the Department of Tourism, Wansiri Morakul disclosed that, in January alone, the office received 56 requests from movie makers to film their production in Thailand, which accounts for a total investment value of around 687.35 million baht. Among these requests is a high-budget production from New Zealand, which is expected to start filming in Thailand in April. Ms. Wansiri pointed out that the fact that high-budget films have chosen Thailand as their filming location bodes well for the country.
In 2011, a total of 606 films were shot in Thailand, generating a revenue of 1.22 billion baht for the economy. However, last year’s income from this area is 34.38% lower than that of the previous year when 1.86 billion baht was brought into the country from only 578 films. This is partly a consequence of the flood crisis during the end of the year, which slowed down filming processes during October to December.
According to Ms. Wansiri, the office has planned five roadshow activities for this year. Two roadshows have already been conducted in South Korea and UK, while the remaining three are scheduled for Hong Kong, Cannes and the USA. The office will reassure film makers that filming locations in Thailand have not been affected by last year’s devastating flood.
