With its diverse range of locations, attractive filming incentives and growing infrastructure, Thailand has become an increasingly appealing option for international productions looking to shoot in South Asia. Meeting the growing demand for production space, The Studio Park provides world-class filming facilities in a convenient location just outside Bangkok and 30 minutes from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International airport.
Set over 85 acres of parkland, The Studio Park features five purpose-built, state-of-the-art soundstages, all of which are named after world-famous parks. Two of the studios (Hyde Park and Ueno Park) measure 600 square metres, two are 1,200 square metres (Central Park and Richmond Park) and the biggest, named after Bangkok’s Lumpini Park, is 2,400 square metres, making it the largest soundstage in Thailand. As well as being fully air-conditioned and fitted with high-level security, they are also equipped with green rooms, VIP lounges, control rooms, changing rooms, make-up rooms and canteens.
The facility, which opened in 2016, also includes two water tanks for underwater filming, two bogie trains, backlot spaces, workshops, warehouses, production offices, a lake and a natural canal. Its largest backlot space covers 38,430 square metres.
High-profile shoots
“We are among the most complete filming facilities in Asia, and are constantly growing and innovating to keep Thailand a leading destination for global productions,” says The Studio Park’s acting director of foreign affairs Vara Vilaivan, who has already welcomed several high-profile projects to the studio, including Disney+ series Ms Marvel and Netflix limited series Thai Cave Rescue.
The facility also played host to Netflix’s 2020 action feature Extraction, in which Thailand doubled for Dhaka in Bangladesh, and acclaimed Apple TV+ drama Shantaram, which saw the country stand in for India.
Last year, the studio hosted Alien: Earth, the upcoming FX series based on Ridley Scott’s seminal film franchise. And this year, production is due to begin at the facility on an international feature in the second quarter, followed by a large-scale TV series in the third quarter.
“We welcome all projects, but in particular long-form productions,” says Vilaivan. “Thailand has proven its ability to handle large-scale shoots, and attracting more of them will further strengthen our industry.”
In 2024, The Studio Park extended its offering with the launch of a virtual production soundstage — the Figment Studio — equipped with LED wall technology, enabling large-scale incoming productions to create immersive virtual environments.
The facility also houses Gear Head, Thailand’s largest equipment provider, which offers an extensive selection of top-level cameras, lenses, lighting, sound and grip equipment. Incoming productions have the benefit of a one-stop shop when it comes to production space and hiring equipment, rather than having to navigate different companies or locations.
With its mountains, beaches, jungles and cities, Thailand has long attracted international shoots seeking a diverse range of locations. And the introduction of a filming incentive has led to a steady growth in the number of incoming productions: in 2023, the country welcomed a record 466 — including HBO drama series The Sympathizer, doubling for Vietnam in the Vietnam War — generating revenue of $200m (thb6.8bn), up nearly 45% year-on-year.
As of January, the government has raised the incentive to 30%, making the prospect of shooting in Thailand — both on location and at The Studio Park — even more competitive.
Projects spending at least $1.47m (thb50m) will be eligible for a 15% rebate, those spending between $2.9m-$4.4m (thb100m-150m) will receive a rebate of 20%, while expenditure over thb150m qualifies for a 25% rebate. The extra 5% rebate can be achieved by using local crew or promoting tourism in the country.
“Thailand has so much to offer,” adds Vilaivan. “Our film service industry stands on a par with the best in the world, providing top-tier equipment, skilled professionals, diverse locations and world-class filming facilities. Whether it’s a big-budget blockbuster or an indie project, we have the resources and expertise to bring any vision to life.”
Contact: Vara Vilaivan, acting director of foreign affairs
Find out more: thestudioparkthailand.com
