Visiting your favorite movies’ filming locations offers an immersive and enjoyable experience, deepening your connection to the films while exploring breathtaking backdrops. Traveling to these destinations combines a passion for cinema with adventure, allowing you to learn about local culture, history, and natural beauty. Bond with fellow fans, participate in guided tours or events, and create lasting memories in this captivating and enriching journey through cinematic worlds.
The List
Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997) A martial arts action film based on the video game franchise, featuring a group of heroes who fight to save Earth from the evil forces of Outworld. Filming locations: Ayutthaya, Thailand
Fast & Furious 9 (2021) The ninth installment in the Fast & Furious franchise, with Dominic Toretto and his crew joining forces to battle the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they’ve ever encountered: his forsaken brother. Filming locations: Krabi, Thailand
The Hangover Part II (2011) A comedy sequel in which Phil, Stu, Alan, and Doug travel to Bangkok for Stu’s wedding. After a quiet night on the beach with a beer and toasting marshmallows by the campfire, Stu wakes up in a seedy apartment. Filming locations: Bangkok, Krabi, and Phulay Bay, Thailand
The Beach (2000) A drama-adventure film based on the novel by Alex Garland, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a young backpacker who finds a secret island paradise in Thailand. Filming locations: Ko Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay, and Phuket, Thailand
The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) The ninth film in the James Bond series, with Roger Moore as Agent 007, who is led to believe he’s targeted by the world’s most expensive assassin and must hunt him down to stop him. Filming locations: Bangkok, Phang Nga Bay, and Ko Tapu (James Bond Island), Thailand
Rambo (2008) The fourth installment in the Rambo series, featuring Sylvester Stallone as Vietnam War veteran John Rambo, who is called upon to rescue a group of Christian missionaries in war-torn Myanmar. Filming locations: Chiang Mai and the Salween River, Thailand
Only God Forgives (2013) A crime thriller directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, starring Ryan Gosling as a drug smuggler in Bangkok who is compelled by his mother to find and kill the person responsible for his brother’s recent death. Filming locations: Bangkok, Thailand
The Impossible (2012) A drama based on the true story of a family caught in the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, starring Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor. Filming locations: Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province, and Phuket, Thailand
Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) A comedy-drama film based on the experiences of Adrian Cronauer, a radio DJ in the US Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, portrayed by Robin Williams. Filming locations: Bangkok, Thailand
Kickboxer (1989) A martial arts film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme as Kurt Sloane, who learns Muay Thai to avenge his brother who was paralyzed in a brutal fight in Thailand. Filming locations: Bangkok and Ayutthaya, Thailand
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) The eighteenth film in the James Bond series, with Pierce Brosnan as Agent 007, who uncovers a scheme to start a global war and boost ratings for a media mogul’s news channel. Filming locations: Phuket and Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) A romantic comedy sequel, where Bridget Jones questions her relationship with Mark Darcy and embarks on a trip to Thailand with her friend Shazzer. Filming locations: Phuket, Thailand
No Escape (2015) A thriller film starring Owen Wilson, Lake Bell, and Pierce Brosnan about an American family caught in the midst of a violent political uprising while moving to Southeast Asia. Filming locations: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Bangkok Dangerous (2008) A crime thriller starring Nicolas Cage as a hitman who travels to Bangkok to carry out four assassinations but finds himself drawn to a local woman and befriending his errand boy. Filming locations: Bangkok, Thailand
Trade of Innocents (2012) A thriller drama about a couple grieving the loss of their daughter, who take on a mission in Cambodia to fight human trafficking and rescue children from the sex trade. Filming locations: Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Railway Man (2013) A war drama film based on the autobiography of Eric Lomax, a British Army officer who was captured by the Japanese during WWII and forced to work on the infamous “Death Railway” in Thailand. Filming locations: Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009) An action film based on the popular video game series, focusing on the origin story of Chun-Li, a martial artist who seeks justice for her father’s death. Filming locations: Bangkok, Thailand
American Gangster (2007) A crime drama film based on the life of Frank Lucas, a notorious drug lord who smuggles heroin into the United States during the Vietnam War, starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Filming locations: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Around the World in 80 Days (2004) An action-adventure comedy based on the Jules Verne novel, with Jackie Chan playing Passepartout, who accompanies Phileas Fogg on his journey around the world to win a bet. Filming locations: Krabi, Thailand
Bangkok Hilton (1989) A miniseries about a young Australian woman who is arrested in Bangkok for drug smuggling and imprisoned in the infamous “Bangkok Hilton” jail. Filming locations: Bangkok, Thailand
Brokedown Palace (1999) A drama film about two American women who are falsely accused of smuggling drugs while vacationing in Thailand and end up in a notorious Thai prison. Filming locations: Bangkok and Manila, Philippines
Changeland (2019) A comedy-drama film written, directed, and starring Seth Green, following two estranged friends who reunite for a trip to Thailand, where they come to terms with their past and rediscover their friendship. Filming locations: Krabi and Phuket, Thailand
The Protector (2005) A martial arts film featuring Tony Jaa as Kham, who travels to Australia to retrieve his stolen elephants, which were taken by an international crime syndicate. Filming locations: Ayutthaya and Bangkok, Thailand
Elephant White (2011) An action-thriller film starring Djimon Hounsou as an assassin and Kevin Bacon as an arms dealer, who team up to battle a human trafficking ring in Thailand. Filming locations: Bangkok, Thailand
The Serpent (2021) A British crime drama series based on the true story of Charles Sobhraj, a serial killer who preyed on Western tourists traveling in Southeast Asia during the 1970s. Filming locations: Bangkok, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Lady (2011) A biographical film about Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese opposition leader, and her husband, Michael Aris, starring Michelle Yeoh and David Thewlis. Filming locations: Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Marine 2 (2009) An action film starring Ted DiBiase Jr. as Joe Linwood, a Marine who must save his wife and other guests from terrorists who have taken over a luxurious resort in Thailand. Filming locations: Phuket, Thailand
Challenges of Filming in Thailand
While Thailand is a popular destination for filmmakers, there are also some challenges to filming in the country. One of the biggest challenges is the weather, which can be unpredictable and prone to sudden rainstorms. Another challenge is the language barrier, as many local crew members may not speak English fluently, which can cause communication issues on set. In addition, while Thailand’s government policies are supportive of foreign film productions, navigating the permit process can still be challenging for some filmmakers.
Film Festivals in Thailand
Thailand hosts several film festivals throughout the year, including the Bangkok International Film Festival, the Thai Short Film and Video Festival, and the World Film Festival of Bangkok. These festivals showcase the best of Thailand’s film industry, as well as international movies from around the world.
Impact of Film Industry on Thailand’s Economy
The film industry has a significant impact on Thailand’s economy, providing employment opportunities for local actors, production crew, and supporting businesses. In addition, foreign film productions often spend money on accommodations, transportation, and other local services, which can boost the local economy.
Future of Film Industry in Thailand
The future of the film industry in Thailand looks promising, with continued government support for foreign film productions and a growing pool of local talent. Thailand’s diverse locations and vibrant culture make it an attractive destination for filmmakers from around the world, and as the industry continues to grow, we can expect to see more high-quality movies produced in Thailand.
Conclusion
Thailand’s stunning locations and vibrant culture have made it a popular destination for filmmakers producing a wide range of genres, from action-packed blockbusters to romantic comedies and dramas. While there are some challenges to filming in Thailand, the country’s supportive government policies, talented local crew, and diverse range of locations make it an attractive destination for filmmakers from around the world.