SHOOT IN FILMLAND THAILAND
Please find additional informations in our ENGLISH or GERMAN presentation.
Why Thailand? It is one of the most film-friendly countries in the world!
From classic films like ‘The Deer Hunter’ and ‘The Killing Fields’ to blockbuster hits like ‘The Hangover – Part II’, Thailand has proven itself time and again as a favourite location for international filmmakers. Directors such as Werner Herzog, Ridley Scott, Oliver Stone, Wong Kar-Wai, Luc Besson, Michael Cimino and George Lucas have created some of their best works in Thailand. Whether scenes like jungle wars, beach paradises, rural life in breathtaking mountain scenery or even hectic city life, Thailand can provide the backdrop to bring a filmmaker’s vision to life.
But Thailand is much more than just a beautiful place. Equally important for a film or commercial production is to find an international level of crew, stage, props and equipment. Whether your production requires the latest digital cameras, large lighting equipment, drone cinematography or state-of-the-art post-production facilities, Thai companies have invested in modern technology. Thai crews are legendary for their speed, cost efficiency and willingness to cooperate. Most important, however, is their experience. A producer filming in Thailand can be sure that he can expect an infrastructure and a production environment that has developed and refined its skills over many years and can adapt to the working methods and creative styles of international filmmakers.
More and more filmmakers are coming to Thailand for studio work, green screen scenes and post production. Thailand is the perfect balance between quality and value.
The Thailand Film Office is the body appointed by Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism to oversee international film production in Thailand and help filmmakers find the right local services and make the best of their time in Thailand.
See for yourself why Thailand has the reputation of being one of the most film-friendly countries in the world.
TOP ADVANTAGES THAILAND
- Excellent English-language services at Hollywood level (known by James Bond, Hang Over II,…)
- Very low costs for staff, equipment, material,…
- An unsurpassed variety of indoor and outdoor locations
- Fast shooting permits and efficient authority procedures
- Numerous studios equipped with the latest technology
- Experienced production designers and authentic stage design at unbeatable prices
- Excellent trained and experienced SFX and Stunts teams
- Numerous European models and actors living in Thailand
- Good planning and sunny weather conditions
- Excellent infrastructure
FILMING PERMIT AND WORK PERMIT
For shooting in Thailand you need a general filming permit and a locally registered coordinator. yolo films takes care of that for you! For productions under 15 shooting days, such as commercials, there are accelerated approval procedures.
TIP: Thailand has very strict laws when it comes to defaming its cultural heritage or national institutions, so it is advisable to avoid this in the script, otherwise there is a risk that the application will be rejected. In Thailand, the A.T.A. Carnet Act applies. This means that the temporary import of professional equipment is exempt from import tax. In addition, Thailand has entered into double taxation agreements with many other countries. Crews who intend to work in Thailand for a maximum period of 15 days can do so with a tourist visa. Only crews who work longer than 15 days must have a multiple visa.
DO’s & DON’ts
Technology makes it easier and faster than ever for people living in different parts of the world to communicate with each other. This has created new opportunities to interact with people of different faiths and cultures. For a better understanding, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, the Ministry of Culture would like to present a short guide on certain aspects of Thai culture:
SOCIAL CUSTOMS
- Thais greet each other with a wai, traditional closed hands and a slight bow of the head, where younger people initiate the wai. But more recently, Western visitors will usually receive a handshake.
- Thais regard the head as a sacred part of their body. So you should not touch anyone’s head. Apologize immediately if you happen to touch someone’s head.
- Thais consider their feet to be low, so do not place your feet on a table or chair or point your feet at people or objects.
- Expressing sexual feelings in public is not acceptable in Thai culture.
- Showing a picture of the Thai national flag on any packaging or product is only allowed if it is made…
(A) with the approval of the governmental authorities; and
(B) for commercial purposes, with the consent of the government in accordance with the laws governing the national flag.
- During the Songkran Festival or the Thai New Year, clean water and appropriate utensils should be used, and water should not be sprayed on those who do not wish to attend the celebration.
- The monarchy is regarded by the Thais as a respected institution, and great respect is required. Any violation of the monarchy either openly or secretly is an offence in the sense of the constitution. One should stand as a sign of respect when playing the royal anthem. When you enter a palace compound, dress properly. Sleeveless shirts or blouses, shorts or sandals are not allowed.
GENERAL INFORMATIONS
- Observe all normal precautions regarding personal safety and the safety of your property. Walking alone on quiet streets or in uninhabited areas is not recommended. Make sure that your valuables, money, jewelry and airline tickets are properly protected from loss. Call 1155 Tourist Police for help.
- Dispose of your waste in a waste container. Bangkok City Council strictly enforces the laws to keep the city clean and healthy. Fines can also be imposed on those who spit, dispose of cigarette butts or waste.
- Avoid illegal drugs or narcotics. The penalties for drug offences in Thailand are severe and include the death penalty.
- Do not support the abuse of wild animals in any way. Never buy products or souvenirs from wild animals such as snakes, lizards, turtle shells and ivory. Avoid patronizing local restaurants offering wild animal delicacies.
RELIGION
- If you visit Buddhist temples, dress politely. Visitors may wear shoes when walking around the temple, but shoes must be taken off when entering an inner sanctuary or in places with a sign for taking off shoes.
- Women are not allowed to have physical contact with monks. If a woman receives anything from a monk, she should wait until the monk has dropped the object before picking it up. If she wants to give the monk something, she should place it on the cloth that he has spread out in front of him.
- Climbing, sitting on, or leaning against a Buddha image, regardless of its size, condition, or whether it is real or a replica, is considered extremely disrespectful. It is permitted to take pictures with a Buddha image, but it should be taken in a polite and respectful manner.
- The placement of Buddha images is important… Since the Thais consider Buddha images sacred, it is considered disrespectful to place them on the floor, under a table or chair, in a bathroom or on the lawn.
- Buddha images are sold as objects of worship and not for other purposes as they are considered representatives of the Buddha. As such, Buddha images used as trademarks for sweets, drinks, alcoholic beverages, toys, or the attachment of Buddha images to shoes, socks, swimwear, or underwear are prohibited.
- Since a Buddha image is made for worship, laws were enacted to protect the Buddha images. The unauthorized export of Buddha images from Thailand is a violation of the law that brings violators to justice.
- Hate or disregard of religious objects or places of worship is a violation of the law according to section 206 of the penal code with a prison sentence of 1-7 years.
- Causing a disturbance or insurrection at a religious assembly during a lawful assembly, worship or religious ceremony is an offence within the meaning of article 207 of the penal code with a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year.
- Illegal dress as a false clergy in any religion is a violation of the law under section 208 of the penal code with a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year.
