For foreign companies to feature films, videos, or television in Thailand, they should make sure that a Thai-based coordinator is hired in order to assist the foreign production company. Similarly, it is a must to take permission to film in the country. There are several regulations that you must adhere to to start film production house in Thailand. As for the application forms, permission can be obtained and submitted from/at the overseas offices or in Thailand. If you choose to make an application abroad, it can be submitted through the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, Thai Trade Center, and Office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
However, if you decide to make the application and submit it in Thailand, you can obtain it from the Film Board of Thailand. And in case, you are in Thailand to take a still picture for your film, then the photographer just needs to inform the Film Board about it. A film permit is not required in that case.
If you are to open a production house in Thailand, then the ideal path would be to register a BOI company. Why? The government is offering a tax rebate for television productions and film shot in Thailand.
Such incentives are offered to push the film services industry forward.
Effective since 2017, the number of movies that came to Thailand for film production increased by 15%. Also, the Ministry of Commerce in Thailand has strategies to cater to the film business. The Ministry primarily aims the following:
- Develop high-potential employees in film and production.
- Develop a skilled workforce and create brand-new work.
- Generate unique creative content, Thai brand, and intellectual property.
- Develop cooperation between the private and public sectors.
Since, the film business services generate over 30 million baht in revenue. Therefore, further growth of this business will also automatically improve the growth of businesses including, studio and equipment services, visual effects, cinemas, catering, actors’ careers, and restaurants and catering.
