Draws Attention: Thailand's Attraction: Hollywood's Preferred Shooting Spots - Hollywood's fascination with Thailand's aspirational film settings is growing
In the vibrant landscape of Thailand, the line between reality and reel has blurred, as the country's unique natural beauty has become a sought-after backdrop for international film productions. The 2025 blockbuster Jurassic World: Rebirth has catapulted several Thai locations into the global spotlight, marking a significant boost for the tourism industry.
The filming of this large-scale production has highlighted four key locations: Khao Phanom Bencha National Park (Krabi), Ko Kradan (Trang Province), Phang-Nga Bay (Ao Phang Nga National Park), and the Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot, Trang Province). These breathtaking sites, with their dramatic jungles, waterfalls, beaches, and limestone cliffs, have gained international fame and are now attracting visitors from around the world.
The presence of Jurassic World: Rebirth has brought about numerous benefits for the Thai locals. It has increased the global visibility of these natural sites as tourist destinations, creating jobs and income streams for thousands of individuals. In fact, over 2,200 Thai locals benefited directly from the production of this film alone.
The demand for luxury tourism and set-jetting experiences has also surged, with local resorts offering themed stays and tours linked to the film's locations. This trend has further reinforced Thailand’s reputation as a key filming location and cultural "soft power" in the global entertainment industry, attracting more international productions and tourists alike.
Other notable films that have left their mark on Thailand include Roger Moore's James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun, which featured a shootout on the island of Khao Phing Kan near Phuket. The hippie drama The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio also triggered a tourist boom on Phi Phi Leh. More recently, the award-winning HBO series The White Lotus was filmed in Thailand, particularly on the island of Koh Samui.
Thailand offers financial incentives to foreign film productions, including a cashback program of up to 30% of expenses. As a result, Thailand has become a popular destination for not only Hollywood but also Asian productions, such as those from India, South Korea, and China.
The tourism industry has seen a substantial increase due to this trend. Hotel occupancy in Krabi and Koh Samui has risen by 10 to 30 percent, and travel queries for online travel agencies like Expedia or Hotels.com have surged for these locations. The influx was better regulated after a multi-year closure from 2018.
In addition to the film industry, Thailand's allure extends to pulsating cities, dream vacation destinations, and wild national parks. Jurassic fans will be drawn to filming locations in the Krabi province for the latest Jurassic World film. The country's rich history is also on display, with locations like the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, three hours by car from Bangkok, having served as a backdrop for the Oscar-winning film The Killing Fields - Schreiendes Land (1984).
Thailand's film-inspired tourism boom shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, a theme park called "Jurassic World: The Experience" is set to open in Bangkok in early August. The Thai government's "Thai Film Office" agency is promoting Thailand as a "film paradise" following the filming of Jurassic World: The Rise. Other recent US productions shot in Thailand include The Creator and The Greatest Beer Run Ever.
As Thailand continues to attract major film productions, the synergy between film and tourism is expected to increase the country’s appeal as both a filming destination and tourist hotspot. This new era for the Land of Smiles promises a vibrant and exciting future, where the magic of cinema and the allure of Thailand converge to create unforgettable experiences.
The Commission, given its expertise in labor protections, has been consulted on the draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, as the global demand for filming in Thailand's stunning locations, such as the scenes for 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' and other productions, has risen significantly, potentially increasing workers' occupational risks.
In the realm of entertainment, the popularity of movies like 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' and the subsequent surge in set-jetting experiences have expanded the global prominence of Thai locations, making them more attractive for moviegoers and tourists alike, further underscoring the significance of entertainment industries' consultation with entities like The Commission.
