MASTERY FILMS
Thailand has long been a go-to destination for filmmakers around the world, with its stunning beaches, lush mountains, and bustling cities. Blockbusters like Fast & Furious 9 and The Beach were filmed here, and the country’s appeal continues to grow. Major international projects such as Jurassic World: Rebirth, Disney+’s Alien: Earth, and HBO’s The White Lotus: Season 3 also chose Thailand, proving how in-demand it is for film production.
To film in Thailand, you need an official film permit. It’s not just a formality. A film permit in Thailand ensures your project stays compliant with local laws, avoids costly delays, and allows smooth collaboration with local crews and locations. With the right production coordinator, Thailand offers skilled film crews, world-class equipment, and impressive cost efficiency, making it an ideal choice for any film, TV series, or commercial production.
The Thailand Film Office (TFO) is in charge of issuing permits to foreign crews. If you're planning to shoot a movie, TV show, commercial, documentary, or even professional photos for public use, you'll need one. This permit confirms that your script respects Thai laws and culture, protecting you from potential issues with police or other officials. A permit doesn't give you a free pass to film anywhere, though. You still have to get separate permission from specific places like temples, national parks, or private property owners. Shooting without a permit can lead to serious consequences, including fines or even losing your footage
Source: TFO Thailand Film Office Website
Almost every foreign production needs a permit, this includes movies, TV shows, music videos, travel shows, and commercials. Even small crews who want to film in a heritage site or take photos for an ad campaign have to apply. The only exception is for productions that are entirely owned and operated by Thai citizens. If your team includes any foreign crew members, is backed by a foreign company, or uses foreign equipment, you must apply through a local coordinator.
A Thailand film permit gives you the green light to film at the locations you’ve listed in your application and confirms that authorities have approved your script. However, you'll still need to get extra clearance for certain locations like temples, national parks, or private properties. You’re also expected to follow all Thai customs, labor laws, and tax rules, which includes securing work permits for your crew.
Step 1: Hire a Local Coordinator You need a registered Thai production services company to submit the application for you. They’ll also handle government approvals, manage logistics, and take care of customs, visas, and taxes.
Step 2: Get and Complete the Form The application form is available at Thai embassies, Thailand Film Office, or Tourism Authority. You should submit it at least 5 to 14 business days before your planned shoot, depending on the type of project.
Step 3: Gather the Required Paperwork You'll need to provide your script, schedule, crew passports, equipment lists, and a detailed list of filming locations. Drones, temples, and national parks require extra permissions.
Step 4: Apply for Work Permits Any crew staying for more than 15 days will need a Non-Immigrant “B” visa and a temporary work permit. For shorter projects under 15 days, you just need to notify the authorities, but you won't need a permit.
Step 5: Import and Export Equipment You must declare all your gear at customs. An ATA Carnet or a bond might be required. When you leave, you’ll also need to pay export fees and go through customs checks.
Step 6: Notify the Film Board Once you arrive, a representative from the Film Office Board will be assigned to supervise your shoot.
Step 7: Work With the Representative You must give them advance notice for each location and cover their daily fees, travel, and lodging expenses.
Step 8: Follow Content Rules Your project can’t offend Thai culture, religion, security, or moral standards. You might have to make changes to violent or sensitive scenes.
Step 9: Get Final Clearance Before you leave, you have to show your footage to the Film Board, get clearance, and pay any export fees.
A film permit isn't a substitute for immigration documents. Crews staying under 15 days can enter on a tourist visa but must inform the Film Board. If you're staying longer, you'll need a Non-Immigrant “B” visa and a temporary work permit. Thailand taxes foreign crew income, though foreign actors get a five-year income tax exemption.
Thailand offers an attractive cash rebate for productions that spend at least THB 50 million locally. The standard rebate is 15%, but you can get extra bonuses for hiring Thai crew, filming in regional areas, or doing post-production work in Thailand. The maximum rebate can go up to 30%, with a cap of THB 75 million. Your coordinator will handle the entire application and documentation process for this rebate.
A film permit doesn’t give you free access to every location. You’ll need additional approvals and may have to pay extra fees for places like temples, heritage sites, or national parks. Operating drones requires a separate permit from the Civil Aviation Authority. The Thailand Film and Video Act also prohibits certain content, including explicit violence, animal cruelty, drug use, and anything that is culturally or religiously offensive.
Many delays happen because of missing documents, last-minute script changes, or underestimating permit timelines. To avoid issues
Thailand remains one of the most appealing places to film in Asia. It offers a huge variety of landscapes, skilled crews, modern equipment rentals, and post-production facilities, all at competitive prices. In 2023 alone, over 460 international productions filmed in Thailand, bringing in more than $200 million. With tax rebates, professional local support, and strong government incentives, Thailand continues to be a world-class production hub.
Getting a film permit in Thailand takes some planning, but it's not complicated as long as you follow the rules. With a solid local coordinator, the right paperwork, and a healthy respect for Thai culture, your shoot will run smoothly. When you combine that with the rebates, skilled crews, and incredible locations, it's clear why Thailand is a great place to film movies, TV shows, and commercials.
What is a film permit in Thailand? It's official approval from the Thailand Film Office, which is part of the Department of Tourism. It allows foreign productions to legally shoot movies, TV series, commercials, or music videos at approved locations in the country.
Why do I need a film permit to shoot in Thailand? A permit ensures your production follows Thai laws and respects cultural sensitivities. It also protects your crew from legal trouble and fines during your shoot.
Do all foreign productions need a permit? Yes. If your production involves any foreign crew, cast, company, or equipment, you need a permit. The only exception is for productions that are completely Thai-owned and made by Thai citizens. Even small shoots in heritage sites or public areas need approval.
How do I apply for a film permit in Thailand? You must apply through a registered Thai film coordinator or production service company. The coordinator will prepare all the documents, submit them to the Film Office, and act as your official contact with the authorities.
What documents are required to apply for a film permit?
How long does it take to get approval? Most permits for standard projects take 7 to 10 business days. More complex shoots, involving sensitive locations, large crews, or stunts might require several weeks for review and approval.
Can I film anywhere in Thailand with a permit? No. The permit only allows you to film at the locations listed in your application. You'll need separate approvals for places like temples, royal grounds, military areas, or protected sites such as national parks.
What happens if I film without a permit in Thailand? It's illegal. Your production could be shut down, equipment could be seized, and you could face fines. Crew members might also run into immigration or legal problems, and it could hurt any future attempts to film in Thailand.
10. Can foreign crews apply directly, or do I need a Thai coordinator? You can’t apply directly. By law, all applications must go through a licensed Thai film coordinator or production service company. They are your official liaison with the Thailand Film Office and ensure your project meets all legal requirements.
MASTERY FILMS provides full film services in Thailand, including local production, crew and equipment, location scouting, film permits, and VIP services for cast and crew.
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