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Time Out
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
From Hollywood to Bangkok: Thailand's film boom targets B10 billion revenue
If you've watched enough Hollywood films, you might've noticed that Thailand pops up more often than you'd expect. From action-packed scenes in Tomorrow Never Dies, to the laughs of The Hangover Part II and the dreamy romance of Wong Kar Wai's In the Mood for Love, the country has become a favourite backdrop for international filmmakers. So much so, the Thai government expects over B10 billion in revenue from foreign productions this year alone. According to data from the Department of Tourism's Thailand Film Office (TFO), 279 foreign film projects were shot in the nation between January 1 and June 30, generating B2.8 billion in revenue. These numbers account only for officially permitted productions, which continue to support both the local film industry and the wider tourism sector. Interestingly, the top countries choosing our land for filming aren't from Hollywood. Leading the list are India, South Korea, Japan and China. Popular shooting locations include Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Chon Buri, thanks to their versatile cityscapes and accessibility. So, what makes the kingdom such a cinematic hotspot? A big part of it lies in the diversity of locations. From lush jungles and waterfalls to idyllic islands such as Phuket and Krabi, along with ancient temples, historical towns and futuristic urban settings, it's a filmmaker's dream – all in one place. Beyond the scenery, it's also an affordable destination. Production costs are significantly lower than in the West, local crews and logistics are cost-effective and the favourable exchange rate adds even more value. All of this allows filmmakers to stretch their budgets further with additional special effects or extra shooting days. In 2024, the nation earned B6.6 billion from 491 foreign film productions representing 42 countries. This year, the government is forecasting revenue to reach B10 billion, exceeding its initial target of B7.5 billion and marking a 50% increase from last year. Among recent high-profile shoots, HBO's The White Lotus filmed its latest season here, drawing global attention and a wave of tourists to Koh Samui. Upcoming releases include Jurassic World: Rebirth, now in cinemas and Alien: Earth, a sci-fi series that highlights the capital's urban sprawl, purpose-built sets at Studio Park in Samut Prakan and the scenic landscapes of Surat Thani, Krabi and Phang Nga. While it's still uncertain whether this year's revenue goals will be fully met, one thing is clear: Thailand's growing role as a film location continues to boost its global visibility and tourism appeal. And if you're missing the Land of Smiles, you can satisfy your wanderlust from afar with our roundup of 10 movies to watch when you miss traveling in Thailand.
Bangkok Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
Thailand eyes B10bn from foreign film production
The Thai government expects 10 billion baht in full-year revenue from foreign film productions, deputy government spokesperson Sasikan Watthanachan said on Saturday. Data from the Department of Tourism's Thailand Film Office (TFO), covering Jan 1 to June 30, showed 279 foreign film projects shot in Thailand, generating 2.8 billion baht in production revenue. The figures were based on officially permitted projects, positively impacting the Thai film industry and tourism, Ms Sasikan said. The top countries filming in Thailand were India, South Korea, Japan and China, with popular locations including Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Chon Buri. The TFO estimates the total 2025 revenue will reach 10 billion baht, surpassing the initial goal of 7.5 billion baht. Ms Sasikan said the government continues to promote Thailand as a premiere filming destination. Measures include the 30% cash rebate, which the government is also considering extending. Recent films featuring Thailand include " Jurassic World: Rebirth," now in cinemas, and the science-fiction series " Alien: Earth," which will be available on Disney+ on Aug 13 this year. FX Networks recently dropped the second trailer of shot-in-Thailand 'Alien: Earth'. It features Bangkok landscapes, interior scenes and large sets built The Studio Park in Samut Prakan as well as natural beauty of Surat Thani, Krabi and Phang Nga. The government aims to boost its film industry's international profile further through film festivals and promotional campaigns at major industry events like the Cannes Film Market and Berlin International Film Festival.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Remembering the nation's heroes
beckley – 'The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.' — Calvin Coolidge. The 20th anniversary of the LZRainelle Veterans Reunion in Rainelle is one of several events which will provide residents in the region opportunities to pay homage to those who have given their lives to protect the country's freedom. Also, the Raleigh County Veterans and First Responders Museum and the American Legion Post 32 Veterans Cemetery will be sites for several Memorial Day weekend events. The LZRainelle event commenced Thursday and will run through Monday, May 26. Run For The Wall is an organized cross-country motorcycle ride to honor veterans, their families and friends and to raise awareness of those still missing — Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA). After the Run For The Wall riders arrived Thursday and spent some time with Rainelle Elementary students and members of the public, they continued their journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., according to Emma Michelinie, chair of the LZRainelle Veterans Reunion committee. But, that doesn't put an end to the Greenbrier County activities. Riders representing Task Force Omega (TFO) of Kentucky, which was part of the group that launched Run For The Wall in 1989, will remain in Rainelle the rest of the weekend and take part in events. TFO will hold a service at Ponderosa Lodge on Rte. 60 before they depart the area on Sunday. Other than the arrival and departure of the phalanx of riders Thursday, another prime highlight of the weekend in Rainelle was Friday night's anticipated candlelight memorial service at the Mountaineer Veterans Garden of Honor. In that scenario, thousands of flags, one representing each West Virginia soldier killed in action from World War I to present day, are displayed at the intersection of Rte. 60 and Rte. 20, on the hillside in front of Rainelle Medical Center. The display features about 1,000 solar lights, and organizers call it 'spectacular by day, serene by night.' It is on full display through Memorial Day. An annual parade will begin at noon Saturday in Rainelle, with lineup starting at 11 a.m. Entries will be accepted to the time of lineup. 'The more, the better,' said Michelinie. West Virginia Gold Star Mothers will lead the parade as grand marshals. The parade will be graded by a point system, with a grand prize being awarded to the most patriotic entry, as well as winners in each of eight categories. Money prizes will be awarded. Other Saturday highlights will include a Beckley Sno Biz food booth, music from Thomas Wayne Danley, Hidden Mountain Treasures and Goodson Boys, a bicycle contest, the annual murbles tournament and a fireworks display. Throughout the weekend, visitors to Rainelle are encouraged to view the Greenbrier County Gold Star Mothers' Living Memorial Apple Orchard on Simms Mountain Road (3290 Tincher Road, Rainelle, WV 25962). Michelinie said 'there's no words' to describe what the reunion weekend and activities mean to the community and to veterans and their families themselves. Locals continuing to put action behind their appreciation for those who have died defending their country is crucial, she said. LZRainelle was established in 2005. For more information on the schedule of events, visit • • • The Raleigh County Veterans and First Responders Museum (201 South Eisenhower Drive, Beckley, WV 25801) will be open over the Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be many displays, as well as special guests and raffles for items and gifts. There is no admission cost; however, donations are appreciated. The schedules is as follows: • Saturday, May 24: Place flags on headstones at the Veterans Cemetery, 9 a.m.; museum open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Sunday, May 25: Museum open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; candlelight service at the Veterans Cemetery, 8 p.m. • Monday, May 26: Museum open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; honor flags display, 12 p.m. Individuals can meet at the American Legion Post 32 Veterans Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Saturday to place flags on all of the headstones. Coffee, hot cocoa and doughnuts will be supplied. On Sunday, May 25, the candlelight service will be staged at the cemetery at 8 p.m. The event will feature a short concert of patriotic music by the Salvation Army's Beckley Brass Band. After the music, candlelights will be placed on each of the headstones. There is some seating, and refreshments will be provided. For information, call Ron Hedrick at 304-228-6939. Notes: • The Dandelion Festival in White Sulphur Springs will run through Sunday, May 25. The activities on Sunday will include a veterans luncheon at Paisley Park (12 to 1:30 p.m.), to be catered by The Schoolhouse Hotel, and a veterans memorial service on the Main Stage (2 to 3 p.m.). • The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will open up the Thurmond Depot and the Grandview Visitor Center on Saturday, May 24, and both will be open through the Memorial Day weekend, according to a park spokesperson. Summer hours for both those facilities will be: Thurmond — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., open Wednesday to Sunday; and Grandview — 12 to 5 p.m., open Friday to Sunday. Thurmond Depot tours will start next week at 11 a.m. on days the depot is open. There will also be afternoon talks at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and pop-up programs at Sandstone and Grandview.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
EPSO Sheriff announces partnership with ICE
(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) Sheriff Joseph Roybal announced plans to authorize deputies to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). EPSO said deputies assigned to the Regional Metro Unit as Task Force Officers (TFO) are authorized to support local ICE operations targeting dangerous criminals in the Pikes Peak region. On Monday, Sheriff Roybal announced changes that reinstated communication with ICE about those in custody at the El Paso County Jail. 'As Sheriff, I am committed to eliminating red tape and ensuring my deputies have access to the resources they need to ensure the safety of our citizens,' said Sheriff Roybal. 'To include coordinating and cooperating with our federal partners regarding criminal activity in Colorado.' 'As of today, I am authorizing my TFOs, patrol, and investigations deputies to assist ICE, when requested, in addressing criminality in El Paso County,' continued Sheriff Roybal. 'My deputies and I know best how to keep our community safe, and working with our federal partners is integral to completing our mission- holding criminals accountable and reducing victims.' Recently, Sheriff Roybal, along with Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, announced a coalition focused on public safety. The coalition endorsed Senate Bill 25-047, which would reverse the laws currently preventing law enforcement agencies in Colorado from working uninhibited, with ICE to address illegal criminal immigrants in Colorado. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: El Paso County Sheriff partners with ICE Sheriff Roybal responded to a letter sent to EPSO and law enforcement leadership across Colorado, threatening litigation if law enforcement collaborated or cooperated with ICE. 'Threaten me all you want (ACLU),' Sheriff Roybal said. 'I have worked with ICE, and I have worked with my attorneys to make sure we are following the current Colorado law.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
