Thailand adds movie locations

BANGKOK Ministry of Tourism and Sports aims to encourage international filmmakers to shoot more film productions in Thailand particularly within eight tourism clusters.

Tourism and Sports Minister, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, said the eight clusters should be promoted as new destinations to attract foreign filmmakers to select Thailand as their film locations.

The clusters include emerging destinations in far North Thailand such as Chiang Rai and Phayao.

“Film shoots bring income to the country, but also help to promote tourist attractions to the world and build awareness,” she explained.

The clusters cover beaches, cultural destinations in North and Northeast Thailand , and resorts along the Gulf of Thailand’s western coastline.

Meanwhile, the fourth edition of the Thailand International Film Destination Festival 2016 (TIFDF 2016) themed “Best Vision Best Destination”, attempts to recognise Thainess in films. The festival will be hosted 4 to 13 July.

The TIFDF 2016 is organised by Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports. It has been held annually since 2013, and aims to attract both Thai and foreign film production in Thailand.

In 2015, 724 films were shot in Thailand, generating THB3,164.30 million for the country.

Department of Tourism director general, Wannasiri Morakul, said activities follow the government’s policy to support tourism in Thailand through the promotion of eight tourism areas in the tourism strategy 2015 to 2017.

“These new destinations in Thailand will be made famous by movies shot on location,” the director general said.

Clusters

Lanna Culture: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao Lumphun and Lampang.

South I-San Civilisation: Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Saket and Ubon Ratchathani.

Active Beach: Chonburi, Chanthaburi, Rayong and Trat.

Royal Coast: Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Ranong.

Andaman: Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Trang and Satun.

Cultural Chao Praya River: Singburi, Angthong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Bangkok.

Khong River: Loei, Nongkhai, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Bungkan.

Cultural heritage: Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok and Tak.