Pattaya, renowned for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, is set to transform into a hub of cinematic creativity, as indicated by multiple state agencies consulted during a recent press trip.
Pattaya’s bid for the UNESCO City of Film status is backed by a comprehensive development plan that spans from 2023 to 2030. This plan includes collaborations with key organizations and educational institutions to foster a sustainable ecosystem for the film industry.
The upcoming second Pattaya Film Festival, established in 2023, will showcase outdoor film screenings, masterclass-style seminars, and a documentary pitch workshop designed to assist Thai documentary filmmakers. This event aims to bring together industry professionals, aspiring filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts in a city that is striving to gain prominence in the film industry.
The festival is not merely an event; it symbolizes Pattaya’s ambition to gain recognition as a UNESCO City of Film by 2027.
The Pattaya Film Festival 2024 is also showcasing a diverse selection of films that are drawing attention. “5th Round” is a poignant Thai drama that delves into the lives of Muay Thai boxers, while “Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman” is an intriguing French-Canadian animated feature based on Haruki Murakami’s stories.
“Breaking the Cycle” is a compelling Thai documentary that explores the country’s political landscape through the eyes of a young politician. The festival also honors classic Thai cinema with R.D. Pestonji’s “Country Hotel,” (1957) a black comedy that has stood the test of time. Additionally, “Gitling,” a film that examines the nuances of language and understanding, represents the Philippines in this international cinematic gathering.
The Pattaya City of Film initiative is more than just about entertainment; it’s a strategic move to stimulate investment, create jobs, and drive economic growth. By positioning itself as a film-friendly city, Pattaya is set to attract local and international film crews, boosting tourism and providing a platform for cultural exchange.
Incentives to Attract International Filmmakers
The Thai Government has also various offered incentives to attract foreign film producers and facilitate their operations in Thailand.
For instance, the Cabinet on 21 June 2022 approved a measure to waive personal income tax for a period of five years for foreign actors working on movies filmed in Thailand. The “Exemption of Foreign Actor Tax” came into effect on 4 August 2023.
The Thai government also introduced a cash rebate program in 2017 to reward foreign filmmakers investing 50 million baht or more in filming in Thailand. On 7 February 2023, the Cabinet approved the revision of the program, increasing the cash rebate to 20-30 percent from the original 15-20 percent for two years. The ceiling of the cash rebate was also raised from 75 million baht to 150 million baht for a film shoot. This revised cash rebate program has been in effect from 1 January 2024 onward.
However, the development of Thailand’s film industry faces challenges, notably the insufficient coordination among public bodies in charge of promotion and a scarcity of skilled personnel.
Currently, there is a lack of a cohesive strategy to unite all public departments in a joint effort to promote the film industry in Thailand. Moreover, it’s not just about financial incentives; it’s also about providing adequate training to meet the increasing demand for qualified workers on film sets. Today’s film production involves a multitude of technologies, necessitating increased investment in education to nurture talent and attract Thai professionals working overseas. Australia has been successful in this regard, having attracted experts who have honed their skills in Hollywood back to their home country.
Chalermcchatri Yukol, President of the film and series subcommittee of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee
Thailand’s exotic locales have already served as the backdrop for many renowned films. Classics like “The Beach” (2000), which showcased the stunning Maya Bay, and “The Man with the Golden Gun” (1974), featuring the iconic James Bond Island, are just a few examples.
More recent productions include “The Impossible” (2012), depicting the harrowing true story of a family during the 2004 tsunami, and “Only God Forgives” (2013), a gritty thriller set in Bangkok’s underworld. These films highlight the versatility and allure of Thailand as a cinematic destination.
“Thailand have the quality, but we lack the quantity”
According to the Thailand Film Office, part of the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand’s revenue from international film productions exceeded 6.6 billion baht in 2023. This figure sets a new record, marking an increase of nearly two billion baht from 2022. The growth in revenue is partly attributed to Thailand providing greater incentives for overseas film production within the nation.
The data indicates that a total of 466 films were produced in Thailand in 2023 by filmmakers from 40 different countries and territories. The top five countries with the most films shot in Thailand were the United States, Hong Kong, China, Germany, and the Republic of Korea. The 10 most popular provinces among international filmmakers were Bangkok, Chon Buri, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Phuket, Nonthaburi, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Pathom, Krabi, and Ratchaburi.
Right now I would say that Thailand have the quality, but we lack the quantity. This year, we undertook three major productions, including major blockbusters like White Lotus and Jurassic World. For example we have 300 SkyPanel lighting available, yet we need about 800. We hardly have enough qualified staff when we have three major productions simultaneously. We also need to adapt to new roles in the film industry : a safety officer is a new concept in Thailand and has yet to be implemented on sets, as well as a sustainability assesment. Additionally, there is a shortage of accountants with expertise in film production.
Apinat Siricharoenjit, Producer and Partner of Living Films
Famous films shot in Thailand
Thailand has been a favored location for a variety of international films due to its stunning scenery and cultural richness. Notable movies filmed in Thailand include “Thirteen Lives” (2022), which tells the harrowing tale of the Tham Luang cave rescue, and “The Impossible” (2012), a dramatic recount of the 2004 tsunami.
Action enthusiasts might recognize scenes from “Mechanic: Resurrection” (2016) and “No Escape” (2015), while environmental documentary “Seaspiracy” (2021) also features the country’s marine landscapes.
The Hangover Part II (2011) hilariously navigated the streets of Bangkok, and “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005) included shots of the stunning limestone karsts that are iconic to the region. “American Gangster” (2007) and “The Railway Man” (2013) also utilized Thailand’s diverse locales to tell their stories.
These films not only brought international attention to Thailand’s natural beauty but also contributed significantly to the local economy and tourism industry. But competition-wise, Thailand is not alone in the race to attract foreign film productions. It faces stiff competition from neighboring countries, with Malaysia being its biggest competitor in Southeast Asia.
To ensure continued growth and appeal, the film industry in Thailand needs to tackle administrative challenges, foster local talent, and capitalize on its competitive advantages. These steps will help maintain Thailand’s position as a top choice for filmmakers worldwide.
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