Bangkok, 22 January 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) applauds the Thailand Film Office, under the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, for introducing an enhanced cash rebate programme to attract global filmmakers. This initiative offers tiered incentives of up to 30% on qualified spending, further elevating Thailand’s reputation as a top-tier destination for international film production.
The updated programme provides a tiered rebate system based on spending levels in Thailand. Productions spending at least 50 million Baht are eligible for a 15% rebate. For spending between 100–150 million Baht, rebates increase to 20%, while expenditures exceeding 150 million Baht qualify for a 25% rebate. The maximum rebate cap is 30%, inclusive of additional incentives.
Supplementary rebates are available for productions that contribute significantly to the Thai film industry. A 5% bonus can be earned by promoting Thai tourism, Soft Power, and positive depictions of the country, provided these align with the criteria outlined in Form ICM 1.
Productions employing Thai nationals in key roles are eligible for an additional 5%. Filming at designated Department of Tourism locations for at least 25% of the total shooting schedule can yield a further 3%, while allocating at least 15% of the budget to post-production within Thailand also offers an extra 3%.
Combining these primary and supplementary incentives ensures Thailand remains competitive, attracting projects ranging from high-budget blockbusters to smaller-scale films.
The Thai film industry experienced significant growth in 2024, hosting 491 foreign productions that generated 6.58 billion Baht in spending. These productions originated from 42 countries, with major contributions from Japan, which produced 66 projects, followed by India with 57, South Korea with 44, and the USA with 40.
China led in spending with 1.33 billion Baht, followed by the USA with 1.03 billion Baht, Britain and Northern Ireland with 896 million Baht, and Germany with 639 million Baht.
Filming activities took place across 64 provinces, with Bangkok hosting 325 productions, Pathum Thani hosting 85, Chon Buri hosting 68, and Phuket hosting 37. The most popular production types included advertising, documentaries, and feature films.
In comparison, 2023 saw 466 foreign productions, generating 6.6 billion Baht in revenue. The 2024 increase underscores the effectiveness of Thailand’s enhanced incentives in driving international interest.
Thailand continues offering filmmakers abundant picturesque locations, from lush jungles and tropical beaches to vibrant urban settings. Supported by world-class infrastructure, skilled local crews, and a comprehensive rebate programme, Thailand has solidified its position as an unmatched destination for productions seeking artistic excellence and cost-effectiveness. As the nation strengthens its position as Asia’s premier filming hub, Thailand is rolling out the red carpet for filmmakers like never before.
For more information about applying for filming incentives in Thailand, please visit the Thailand Film Office (TFO).
