Thailand first captured Bollywood’s imagination in 2000 with Kaho Naa… Pyar Hai, which placed the country firmly on the global map through its iconic title track filmed in Krabi. Since the film’s explosion, Thailand has evolved into a highly sought-after destination for both small and large-scale Indian film productions. Since Kaho Naa… Pyar Hai, Thailand, welcomed numerous productions, including Ek Tha Tiger, Student of the Year, Ready, Baar Baar Dekho, and others, taking advantage of the country’s locations and cost-effective filming in the Kingdom.
Below, we’ve curated a list of the most recent Indian productions filmed in Thailand, along with the must-visit destinations to add to your bucket list.
1. Dhurandhar (2025)
2025’s action-thriller Dhurandhar is the first installment of a two-part film series centered on a high-stakes anti-terror covert operation. The story follows an undercover agent as he infiltrates Karachi’s criminal and political underworld, navigating a city brimming with danger, deception, and power struggles.
Thailand was not initially part of the filming plan. However, last-minute weather-related challenges prompted the production team to relocate key portions of the shoot. Reports suggest the makers sought controlled and favorable weather conditions, leading to the strategic shift to Thailand.
Working closely with Thai crews, the production team meticulously reconstructed Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood from scratch. Set designers sourced authentic Urdu newspapers and vintage Pakistani posters while production designers employed aging techniques to create weathered walls, layered signage, and faded paint, lending the sets a convincingly lived-in realism.
Filming took place primarily in Bangkok, Thailand, before the production wrapped and moved on to additional locations in India. While exact filming spots were not officially disclosed, keen-eyed viewers may recognize Bangkok’s distinctive streets and architectural details woven into the thriller.
2. Kanguva (2024)
Kanguva is a large-scale Tamil fantasy action film that spans multiple timelines, blending myth, history, and modern-day conflict.
A significant portion of Kanguva was filmed in Thailand, where the production carried out a three-week shooting schedule in Bangkok, capturing intense scenes using Alexa Super 35 and Alexa LF. According to behind-the-scenes shots, the film crew traveled to Thailand’s South, capturing lush forests, limestone cliffs, and turquoise waters. However, these locations were not disclosed, but it appears the crew traveled to Krabi or Phuket to take advantage of the towering limestone cliffs and incredible scenery.
3. Dono (2023)
Dono is a contemporary romantic drama directed by Avnish S. Barjatya that follows two young strangers who cross paths at a destination wedding and slowly form a connection while confronting their personal uncertainties about love, relationships, and adulthood.
The film was largely shot in Thailand, with key sequences filmed in Phuket and Bangkok. Phuket’s beachfront resorts and coastal settings were used extensively for the destination wedding and leisure-driven moments, while Bangkok provided urban backdrops for transitional and travel sequences.
4. Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 (2022)
Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 is an epic historical action drama directed by Mani Ratnam, adapted from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s classic Tamil novel. The film chronicles the early life of Chola prince Arulmozhi Varman, who rises to become the great emperor Rajaraja I, weaving together court intrigue, warfare, loyalty, and destiny set in the 10th and 11th centuries.
Although most of Ponniyin Selvan: I was shot in India, the production included several sequences filmed in Thailand, particularly Krabi, utilizing the location’s forested areas and natural landscapes to evoke the historical environments of the story’s world. Krabi filming locations include: Koh Hong (Hong Island), Tham To Luang Cave, Tham Lod Cave, and Huai To Waterfall
The team further traveled to Kanchanaburi Province to capture additional scenes at the Uttamanusorn Bridge, Kroeng Krawia Waterfall, Tham Thar Lod Noi Cave, Phrommitr Film Studio, and Sai Yok Elephant Camp. Additional and controlled scenes were filmed at ACTs Studio in Pathum Thani.
5. Sooryavanshi (2021)
Sooryavanshi is an Indian action drama directed by Rohit Shetty and starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. The film is part of Shetty’s popular cop universe, following ATS chief DCP Veer Sooryavanshi as he takes on terrorism and crime with explosive stunts and dramatic set-pieces.
The crew filmed key sequences in Bangkok’s bustling city streets, capturing motorcycle stunts and high-energy action moments against the urban backdrop that added scale and intensity to the film’s set-pieces.
6. Baaghi 2 (2018)
Baaghi 2 is a high-adrenaline Bollywood action thriller. The film follows an ex-army officer who embarks on a dangerous mission to save his kidnapped wife, blending intense combat set-pieces with gritty chase sequences.
While the movie was filmed across several countries, its Thailand schedule was centered around the scenic province of Krabi. Krabi’s dramatic coastal landscape and rocky terrain provided a visually striking backdrop for fight scenes and high-impact sequences that demanded both natural scale and production versatility.
7. Baar Baar Dekho (2016)
Baar Baar Dekho is a 2016 Indian romantic drama with a time-bending premise following Jai and Diya as they navigate love, life, and commitment through a narrative that blends romance with glimpses into the future.
During production, the film crew filmed portions of its “Sau Aasmaan” song and honeymoon along scenic beaches and beautiful coastal roads, Phranang Caves, and parts of Patong.
8. Baaghi (2016)
Baaghi is a 2016 action-thriller starring Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor, centered on a rebellious martial artist who must use his skills to rescue his kidnapped love from a dangerous foe. The film launched a popular franchise, mixing high-octane fight sequences with romantic and dramatic beats.
Baaghi filmed extensively in Krabi, where much of the fight action and dramatic outdoor sequences were captured against the province’s rugged, scenic backdrop of hills, mangroves, limestone formations, and forests. The team filmed at Krabi Island and Poda Island, the latter serving as the location for the popular, earworm romantic track, “Sab Tera.”
9. Junglee (2019)
Junglee is a 2019 action-adventure film centered on a veterinarian who returns to his father’s elephant reserve and ends up fighting international poachers while forging bonds with the elephants under his care.
Junglee shot key sequences in the Elephant Nature Sanctuary near Chiang Mai, a well-known ethical elephant reserve that provided natural jungle settings and authentic animal interactions for the film’s major outdoor scenes. The cast and crew spent around a month in Chiang Mai’s Elephant Reserve and surrounding jungle sanctuary areas, capturing emotional moments with the elephants and high-impact action scenes in dense forest environments supplied by the surroundings Chiang Mai offers.
10. Veere Di Wedding (2018)
Veere Di Wedding is a female-buddy comedy that follows four longtime friends as they reunite for a destination wedding and embark on a chaotic, heartfelt journey of laughter, love, friendship, and self-discovery.
Key portions were shot in Phuket, where the four lead actresses Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar, and Shikha Talsania filmed several scenes, including a vibrant beach and nightlife sequence that captures the gang’s celebratory trip after the wedding plans change.
The production spent about 10 days in Phuket shooting these coastal scenes and a funky song number against the island’s tropical backdrops, showcasing beaches and resort environments that underline the film’s carefree vibe.
11. Baadshah (2013)
Baadshah is a Telugu action-comedy starring Jr. NTR and Kajal Aggarwal blend high-energy fight scenes, stylish humor, and mafia-style intrigue as its hero takes on underworld figures.
The production spent a significant portion of the schedule in Bangkok, where key scenes, pivotal narrative sequences, and song setups were filmed over more than six weeks. The unit worked extensively in and around Bangkok from mid-August to late September 2012, using the city’s urban landscape to stage dramatic sequences with the lead cast.
Thailand served as one of the major international locations alongside Italy and Switzerland, contributing to the film’s cosmopolitan visual style.
12. Housefull 2 (2012)
Housefull 2 is a 2012 Indian slapstick comedy directed by Sajid-Farhad and stars an ensemble cast: Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Asin, and Riteish Deshmukh. The film follows multiple intertwined storylines full of misunderstandings, chaotic humor, and larger-than-life antics as a group of mismatched characters collide in a whirlwind of weddings, lies, and laughter.
The production team traveled to Bangkok to capture high-energy scenes using the city’s iconic backdrops. In Phuket, beaches and resort areas provided laidback scenic settings for musical numbers and vacation moments.
13. Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
Ek Tha Tiger is a 2012 Indian action-spy film directed by Kabir Khan and starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. The movie follows an Indian intelligence agent on a high-stakes mission that evolves into an unexpected romance, blending globe-trotting action with espionage thrills.
Like many productions, the team opted for filming in Bangkok, capturing action scenes using the city’s iconic streets. In Phuket, the crew focused on beaches, resorts, and coastal areas, filming for lighter, romantic moments. Phuket’s scenic backdrops served as a stark contrast to the film’s high-intensity, nail-biting moments.
14. Student of the Year (2012)
Student of the Year is a Bollywood coming-of-age film directed by Karan Johar, following three high-school students navigating friendship, rivalry, and young love as they compete for the coveted “Student of the Year” trophy at an elite college.
In Bangkok, the film took advantage of the city’s cosmopolitan backdrop for portions of the film’s campus and travel scenes. The production was also shot at picturesque locations such as Pattaya and Phuket, where scenic beaches, vibrant streets, and resort settings were featured in song sequences and leisure moments reflecting the youthful, celebratory tone of the film.
15. Ready (2011)
Ready is a 2011 Indian action-comedy directed by Anees Bazmee and starring Salman Khan and Asin. The film blends slapstick humour with a tale of mistaken identity, family chaos, and a quirky romance that drives much of its fun narrative.
The film shot several key sequences and song numbers across Bangkok and nearby areas. Locations include The Ancient City (Muang Boran) in Samut Prakan, which served as the backdrop for the romantic track Humko Pyaar Hua, and Rama VIII Bridge, along with Don Mueang International Airport, for the energetic Dhinka Chika song. The production also shot scenes around Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall, which doubled for the wedding registrar’s office in the film.
16. Wanted (2009)
Wanted is a 2009 Indian action thriller directed by Prabhu Deva and starring Salman Khan and Ayesha Takia. The film follows an undercover cop who infiltrates a ruthless criminal underworld to take down its kingpin, delivering hard-hitting action, high-speed chases, and signature masala flair.
For its Thailand shoot, Wanted filmed several major sequences in Bangkok and the surrounding areas. Key shooting spots included Bangkok’s downtown city streets, which were used for adrenaline-charged chase scenes and gritty action sequences. The crew also shot at areas around Don Mueang International Airport and other urban settings that provided dynamic backdrops for fight sequences and dramatic moments.
17. Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000)
Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai is a 2000 Indian romantic drama directed by Rakesh Roshan and starring Hrithik Roshan and Amisha Patel. The film follows a young couple whose love story becomes entwined with mystery and tragedy, and propelled Hrithik into overnight stardom thanks to its chart-topping music and memorable performances.
The movie filmed key sequences on Koh Hong (Hong Island), where the iconic title track was shot against pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and dramatic limestone formations. These coastal locations, including the serene Hong Lagoon and sandy shores, provided the backdrop for some of the film’s most enduring visuals, helping introduce Thailand’s tropical beauty to Indian cinema audiences and kickstarting the country’s long-standing appeal for Bollywood productions.
Wrapping Up
From its first cinematic spark in Kaho Naa… Pyar Hai to its present status as a go-to global filming hub, Thailand’s relationship with Bollywood has grown into a dynamic creative partnership. What began with postcard-perfect backdrops has matured into a full-fledged production ecosystem, one that seamlessly blends visual splendor with efficiency, expertise, and innovation.
Today, Thailand stands not merely as a filming location but as a storytelling canvas where scale, spectacle, and storytelling ambition converge. As Indian cinema continues to expand its global footprint, Thailand remains firmly in the spotlight, inviting filmmakers and audiences alike to rediscover its landscapes, cities, and cinematic magic, both on screen and beyond.
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