According to The Thailand Film and Video Act B.E. 2551 (2008), any foreign filmmaker wishing to shoot film in Thailand, must apply for film permit from Thailand Film Office. To apply for a film permit, filmmaker is required to hire a local coordinator (company or individual) who is officially registered with the Thailand Film Office, Department of Tourism. Each local coordinator must represent the foreign filmmaker to acquire any necessary permits. They are also responsible for representing the film company in any matter that might arise whilst and after filming in Thailand is completed. A hired local coordinator will assist you compile the necessary documents to present to the Thailand Film Office on your behalf, as well as contact and coordinate with all relevant agencies.
A list of local coordinators that are registered with the Thailand Film Office can be found at ‘Local Coordinator’ menu. Some coordinators specialize in serving clients with specific language skills such as Chinese, Hindi, German, French, Japanese, Korean, and so on. By law, Individual coordinators are not eligible for a big production e.g. feature films, TV series, docudramas, or fiction.
Any foreign film production that is going to be filmed in Thailand needs to apply for a film permit including advertising and public relations, documentary, music video,
TV programs, TV programs with sensitive content, reality shows, game shows, TV dramas, TV series, short films and feature films.
Except for still photography and any films that use only post-production services in Thailand.
Required documents are as follows:
The process will be completed within 3 business days for advertising and public relations, documentaries, music videos, and TV programs, For TV programs with sensitive content, short films, feature films, TV series, TV dramas, reality shows or any fictional, it may take up to 10 business days to complete.
Initially, you must obtain a film permit from the Thailand Film Office. After that, your local coordinator will proceed to contact the relevant authorities at each location to request additional filming permission.
When filming in Thailand, it is crucial that you do not have anything in the script that affects the national security, public order, good morals, environment and dignity of the Thai nation. Additionally, shooting must not cause any significant effect or damage to the environment.
No, there is no fees for the film permit.
Yes, there might be fees for filming in some location such as National Park, Historical Park, or train station. This issue can be discussed with the appointed local coordinator.
A monitoring officer is the representative of government organization who assigned by Department of Tourism to monitor the shoot. The duty of the monitoring officer is to ensure that the filming aligns with the approved script. However, the monitoring officer can offer guidance if the scene that differs from the approved script is appropriate to be shot or not.
All foreign film crews entering Thailand for work need to obtain a non-immigrant visa, type M. For more information, please visit consular.mfa.go.th
Foreign film crew can also request a film permit issued by Thailand Film Office to support their visa application.
Yes, the work permit is still needed. Except for crew members whose working period does not exceed 15 days, work permit is not required. However, they must notify the Department of Employment of the work period of their production. For more information, please visit www.doe.go.th
Yes, there is. For more information, please visit www.doe.go.th
