A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Thailand
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Thailand: What You Need to Know
When filming in Thailand, foreign productions are required to hire a licensed local coordinator, such as Storytailors Thailand, who will then submit the film permit application to the Thailand Film Office on your behalf.
This permit will include all supporting materials such as storyboards, scripts, and synopses. It doesn’t matter what kind of film project you’re undertaking, you’ll still need authorization to film and we’ll liaise directly with the authorities to arrange this.
Timing Your Thailand Film Production around the Weather
Thailand is warm all year round, but the best time to film is the cool dry season from December to March. April and May are very hot, with temperatures over 30°C, while the rainy season, which lasts from June to October, makes trying to organise any kind of outdoor filming a challenge.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
Most visiting filmmakers and videographers won’t have problems renting basic cameras, lighting and sound gear in Thailand, but more advanced or specialized equipment can be harder to find. Because Thailand is an ATA country, we recommend foreign filmmakers planning Thailand video productions to bring as much of their own gear as possible and so avoid the panic of not having the right equipment to hand.
You’ll also be able to rely on a strong selection of English-speaking crew members in Thailand. Their fees tend to be higher than those of non-English-speaking crew but if you don’t speak Thai, then having a crew you can easily communicate with is a bonus!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Yes, it is.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Thailand is generally a very safe country, but it’s still important to follow common safety precautions as a visitor.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
As your partner in Thailand, our application to the Thailand Film Board for your filming permit automatically includes a work visa. Government officials will bring the documents on the first day of filming for all foreign crew members to sign.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
Yes. If you require permits, they must be submitted through a registered local fixer such as Storytailors Thailand.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes. You must first register your drone with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the National Broadcasting Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). Once that’s done, you will need to apply for a Thailand film permit for commercial use. You might also need to get another permit if your flying route includes a national park or another government-managed areas.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
Yes, foreign filmmakers have access to a cash rebate of up to 30%. This includes a base 15% rebate along with a series of bonuses, given if your production hired Thai camera crews, promoted Thai culture or tourism, or undertook at least 15% of post-production in Thailand. A minimum spend of THB 50 million (around $1.5 million) is required.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Yes you can shoot in a national park if you have a Thailand Film Board permit along with an additional permit from the local park authority.
Working with Fixer in Thailand
We’re proud members of Storytailors, one of the world’s leading film production support networks, operating in more than 150 countries. Being part of this renowned global team has allowed us to work with renowned clients and successfully manage a wide range of projects, from corporate films and documentaries to branded videos and news features.
We offer full-service support on productions from early research and location scouting and management, to sorting out crews, casts, equipment, transport, and all other logistics and post-editing needs. Storytailors’ clients include major global brands and broadcasters such as Netflix, Sky Arte, Mainichi Shimbun Japan, FIFA, Singapore Airlines, Under Armor, and many others.