Los Angeles-based themed architecture designer, Creative Kingdom, has unveiled plans for a $650m movie studio and residential development, CNXMovie World Studios, in Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand.

The 175-acre development will include sound stages, animation and special effects facilities, residential neighbourhoods and a wide range of entertainment facilities including an amusement park, sports centre and replicas of global tourist destinations.

Creative Kingdom specialises in thematic design architecture and has designed developments such as Dubai’s Palm Jebel Ali and World Islands.

The company believes it will find backers for its Thai development amongst investors in the US, Middle East and South Africa. It has received an eight-year tax waiver from Thailand’s Board of Investment for the venture.

“CNX-Wood is sure to become one of the most advanced mixed-use destinations in the world, and we are extremely excited by its potential,” said Creative Kingdom CEO Eduardo Robles. “The new CNX Movie World Studios will serve as the hub for Asia’s booming film industry and become one of the premier destinations for the world’s movie makers.”

Thailand is a popular shooting destination and has recently hosted US productions such as Mikael Hafstrom’sShanghai, the US remake of Bangkok Dangerous and Hyde Park Entertainment’s Street Fighter.

The country has several studio complexes, including the Kantana Studios near Bangkok, and stunning natural locations including beaches and mountains. However, recent political unrest has made overseas filmmakers wary about shooting in the country.

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