More high-grossing films chose Thailand as a shooting location following the pandemic, with revenue from film crews reaching 4.4 billion baht from 306 movies in the first eight months of the year, according to the Tourism Department.
"International filmmakers chose Thailand because of its beautiful locations, including the sea, mountains and city architecture," said Udom Matsayawanigul, director of the Thailand Film Office in the Tourism Department.
Mr Udom said overseas film trends changed after the pandemic, as Thailand is registering projects on a larger scale than before.
Between 2015 and 2019, about 700-800 movies were filmed in Thailand per year, mostly short films, commercials and music videos.
The average annual revenue tallied 3.3 billion baht, he said.
In 2022, the number shrank to 346 foreign projects, but they generated more than 4.6 billion baht in revenue, with more drama series and theatrical releases.
Mr Udom said film, as one lever of soft power, helps to promote tourism destinations, the most notable example being the 2012 Chinese film Lost In Thailand.
"The popular Korean drama King the Land this year also showcased Thailand to fans worldwide using street food, festivals and temples, despite a budget of only 18 million baht," he said.
The box office film The Creator was also shot on various locations across 16 provinces, including Phitsanulok and Si Sa Ket.
With a budget of 450 million baht, 42.6% of expenses were paid to the Thai production crew, while accommodation and transport accounted for 8.9% each, said Mr Udom.
Any foreign film shot in Thailand will create a multiplier effect of 2.8 times from their spending in the local economy, he said.
Thailand offers a 15% cash rebate for film shoots with spending of more than 50 million baht, while meeting extra criteria can generate up to a 20% cash rebate.
The extra cash rebates include 3% for employing Thais in key positions and 3% for shooting in second-tier tourism locations promoted by the government.
Another 2% cash rebate is available for finishing post-production in Thailand, while there is a 5% rebate for showcasing Thai cultural elements.
Projects with expenditure of more than 100 million baht are eligible for a special 5% cash rebate if production starts before the end of 2023.
Next year, Mr Udom said the office is planning to implement a roadshow, preparing local communities and regional authorities as "good hosts" for foreign film crews, starting in Phuket, which is a popular filming destination.