Thailand: Getting In On The Action

From 007 to 'The Hangover' films

Last week, Thailand became the latest country to introduce a financial incentive program for movie and TV show production.  To begin next year, the Thai government will offer a minimum of 15% cash rebate for production costs that exceed $1.5 million - with the rebate increasing to 20% if Thai cast and crews are hired and the movie is deemed good for promoting Thailand tourism.

Announced at the Cannes Film Festival by Thai officials, the rebate program is to promote Thailand as the production hub of Southeast Asia - as it already has studios, post-production facilities, and experienced production crews. There is currently an on-going battle for movie and TV show production between Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia which prompted the Thai rebate program.

Thailand has a large and very profitable tourist industry and is fully aware that movie production will drive tourism numbers. Several years ago, the Thai government created the Thailand International Destination Film Festival, its goal - to attract short-documentary film-makers to create films which highlight Thailand's natural beauty and tourist attractions.

A 20% rebate on production costs is very significant, especially when coupled with Thailand's already, in-place film production facilities, trained crews, scenic beauty, and big city shoot locations. All this makes Thailand a great movie production destination.