August 1, 2025, 3:08 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Thailand’s untouched beaches, lush jungle landscapes, and impressive temples are a feast for travelers’ eyes. Hollywood has also recognized the country’s potential. More and more blockbusters are being filmed in the tropical settings of Southeast Asia. But that’s only half the story. A new wave of international productions is bringing not only stars but also much-needed revenue to the country. And filming locations in Thailand are fueling a unique tourism trend.
Dinosaurs, Filming Locations, and the Post-Pandemic Boom
The dinosaurs are back—at least on the screen. The latest installment of the successful dinosaur series “Jurassic World: The Rebirth” was filmed in the jungles of Thailand. A stroke of luck for the country’s struggling tourism industry. The Facebook page of the state agency “Thai Film Office” already features a dinosaur motif with the promising slogan of the “Film Paradise.”
Fittingly, a gigantic theme park called “Jurassic World: The Experience” is opening in Bangkok in early August. The government aims to not only excite movie fans but also benefit economically, especially from the so-called set-jetting trend, where travelers deliberately visit famous film locations.
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Whether it’s impressive waterfalls, rugged limestone cliffs, or remote dream beaches, Thailand has a lot to offer filmmakers. “Jurassic World” star Scarlett Johansson praised the spectacular natural settings in the southern province of Krabi in interviews. Many scenes of the blockbuster were filmed here. But the country scores not only visually—it also attracts with financial advantages.
Cashback and Variety of Settings as a Recipe for Success
Since January, Thailand has been promoting international film productions with a cashback program: Up to 30 percent of expenses can be reimbursed. The offer is particularly popular with productions from Asia, including India, South Korea, and China.
“Thailand offers a diverse selection of settings, from vibrant cities to dream vacation destinations—and all at an excellent value for money,” said Jurairat Mongkolwongsiri, deputy sales director of the hotel group Centara Hotels & Resorts, to the German Press Agency (dpa). According to Mongkolwongsiri, the rich culture and many experienced local production partners add to the mix—an extremely attractive combination for filmmakers from around the world.
Filming Locations in Thailand—from Oscar to Action
Decades ago, Thailand served as a filming location for major cinematic moments. Parts of the Oscar-winning film “The Killing Fields” (1984) were shot at today’s Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, about a three-hour drive from Bangkok. Later, the iconic hotel was also featured in “The Quest” with Jean-Claude Van Damme and Roger Moore. As early as 1974, Roger Moore fought as James Bond in “The Man with the Golden Gun” on the island of Khao Phing Kan, which is still better known today as “James Bond Island.”
A real visitor rush, however, only began after the success of Danny Boyle’s “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio. Maya Bay on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh became a hotspot—and a victim of its own fame. Up to 6,000 tourists came daily until a long closure was necessary in 2018 to protect nature. Access is now more regulated. An online ticket is required to visit, and a facial check will even be conducted when entering Maya Bay in the future.
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Streaming Hits Further Fuel Demand
When it became known that the latest season of the HBO hit series “The White Lotus” was filmed in Thailand, search queries on online travel portals noticeably increased. This is especially true for the island of Koh Samui, where many scenes of the biting satire were shot.
“Productions like ‘The White Lotus’ certainly help spark interest and increase travel demand,” explained Centara spokesperson Mongkolwongsiri. “At Centara, we have seen noticeable growth in destinations like Krabi and Koh Samui—with an average increase in hotel occupancy in these areas of 10 to 30 percent.”
US Films Bring Millions to the Country
And the film wave shows no signs of stopping. Recent Hollywood productions in Thailand include the science fiction thriller “The Creator” (2024) by Gareth Edwards and “The Greatest Beer Run Ever” (2023) with Zac Efron, Russell Crowe, and Bill Murray. Filming locations included Bangkok and Hua Hin.
According to the “Thai Film Office,” a total of 279 foreign films were shot entirely or partially in Thailand in the first half of 2025. This brought the country around 2.8 billion baht (approximately 75 million euros). And after successes like “Jurassic World” and “White Lotus,” more blockbusters are not far off, as Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan explained.
(With material from dpa)