Thailand has become a favored filming destination for both Western TV productions and K-dramas in part due to its diverse landscapes and world-class production facilities.
From bustling cityscapes and historic temples to pristine beaches and lush jungles, Thailand offers a wide range of visually striking locations that can stand in for other parts of the world.
The country’s popularity among international filmmakers is further boosted by generous film tax incentives, including rebates of up to 20–30% for qualifying productions. These benefits, combined with skilled local crews and a supportive filming infrastructure, have made Thailand a go-to choice for high-profile series across genres.
1. The White Lotus (Season 3) (2025)
The White Lotus (Season 3) was filmed in Thailand, primarily on the islands of Koh Samui and Phuket, with additional scenes shot in Bangkok. Key filming locations include the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Anantara Bophut and Lawana Resorts, and the Rosewood and Anantara Mai Khao Villas in Phuket. Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental and Acts Studio were used for controlled environments for specific shots. These five-star luxury resorts in Koh Samui and surrounding locations provided the show’s jaw-dropping backgrounds.
2. Alien: Earth (2025)
Alien: Earth was filmed entirely in Thailand. The production crew traveled to Bangkok, Surat Thani, Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga to capture scenery that matched the film’s vision. In Bangkok, the team used The Studio Park to build sets and shoot controlled scenes.
With a total production value of 3 billion Thai Baht, Alien: Earth became the highest-budget film shot in Thailand to date and employed over 1,600 Thai crew members.
3. Love in the Big City (2024)
Love in the Big City, a Korean boy-love series, was filmed in Thailand across several locations, including the Chao Phraya River, Park Hyatt Presidential Suites, Usa-Sawat Bridge, MBK shopping mall, Wat Tri Thida Thep, Talad Noi, Speed Club BKK, Indy Market Pinklao, and many more exciting locations in Bangkok. With the assistance of a local production company, Mbrella Films assisted in pre-production by securing locations and filming sites, provided over 300 background and featured extras, and oversaw art direction and production design across all locations.
Additionally, Mbrella Films helped with accommodations and arranged transportation for all the main talents and secured work and location permits.
4. King the Land (2023)
King the Land was filmed at several notable locations around Bangkok. Mbrella Films provided local production services during the duration of the film process in Thailand. The team provided security and transport services for the main talent, location permits, and logistical support for nearly 90 Korean crew members flying from South Korea to Thailand.
Mbrella Films engaged in pre-production services, securing filming locations, casting over 300 feature and background extras, and providing art direction and production design for all locations. The team went a step further in redecorating the protagonist’s villa and creating a colorful festival space that took place at Iconsiam’s waterfront. Furthermore, the team was responsible for redecorating all of Ong Ang Canal, transforming it into a lively night market scene.
Additional filming locations included the iconic Temple of Dawn or also known as Wat Arun Temple, and Vertigo & Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel.
5. The Night Agent (2023)
In Season 2 of The Night Agent, the thriller was shot in several scenes in Bangkok, highlighting the city’s iconic locations. One of the most well-known locations included Wat Pho, known for its giant reclining Buddha, and Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, featuring a towering seated Buddha. Yaowarat Road in Chinatown served as the center for gripping action scenes thanks to dark roads decorated with vibrant, buzzing signage. The Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel was established as a place for key scenes, including a tense exchange between Peter and agent Alice.
6. Ms. Marvel (2022)
Ms. Marvel burst onto screens in 2022 with its extraordinary powers and storytelling. The miniseries was filmed in several countries, including Thailand. One of the most recognizable locations in the series is Hua Lamphong train station, which stood in for Karachi Railway Station. Attentive viewers might wonder why the actual railway station wasn’t used, but there’s a good reason. The series’ cinematographer, Jules O’Loughlin, explained that the train station in Bangkok had a similar vibe to the one in Karachi, and because the story takes place within the Multiverse, the change was feasible.
Additionally, many scenes set in India and Karachi were filmed at the Studio Park. Other filming locations included Pattaya as well.
7. Shantaram (2022)
The TV series Shantaram was filmed on Yaowarat Road, also known as Chinatown, to recreate 1980s Mumbai. The area has long attracted film crews with its distinctive streets, vibrant neon signs, and winding, shadowy alleyways. Slum scenes were built from scratch at The Studio Park.
Production came to a halt during the pandemic, forcing the team to find an alternative. Filming resumed in mid-2021 after relocating to Thailand.
8. Thai Cave Rescue (2022)
The Netflix series Thai Cave Rescue was filmed entirely in Thailand. Film production took place at Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in Chiang Rai Province—the actual site of the 2018 rescue mission. Filming also occurred in the real homes of the Wild Boars football team members, providing a genuine portrayal of their experiences.
9. The Serpent (2021)
The British crime drama, The Serpent, co-produced by BBC One and Netflix, was filmed in Bangkok to depict the 1970s era of Charles Sobhraj’s crimes. Various locations were used during filming, including a building on Sukhumvit Soi 4, which served as Kanit House—an apartment complex where Sobhraj once lived. The building was eventually demolished after filming. The Miami Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 13 stood in for the vintage Santa Cruz Hotel, a popular backpacker destination featured in the series. Wat Intharawihan was used as a stand-in for the famous Wat Pho. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, located southwest of Hua Hin, was used to represent Pattaya Beach. Finally, Vajiralongkorn Dam was used to recreate Dal Lake in Kashmir, complete with houseboats resembling those in the original setting.
10. The Flight Attendant (2020)
The Flight Attendant traveled to different locations in Bangkok for filming. On a scenic cruise along the Chao Phraya River, the iconic Temple of Dawn is visible in the background. According to the story, the flight crew stays at the fictional Makara Prince Hotel, portrayed by the five-star Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel in Phatum Wan district. The hotel’s exteriors, lobby, bar, and restaurant are prominently featured in the show.
11. The Only Way is Essex (2019)
The Only Way Is Essex filmed several episodes in Thailand, mainly on Koh Samui. The cast stayed at luxury spots like Lanna Samui, Code Samui, Shiva Samui, and the InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort. They took part in jungle 4×4 adventures, visited the Samui Elephant Sanctuary, Wat Plai Laem temple, and Na Mueang Waterfall. Nightlife scenes were shot at Chi Beach Bar and Nikki Beach.
12. The Girl from Nowhere (2018)
The Girl from Nowhere was exclusively filmed in Bangkok, Thailand at real educational institutions used to represent fictional schools. However, the names of these institutions are not disclosed to the public. Some scenes from the episodes were shot at the Miami Hotel in Sukhumvit 13, utilizing the hotel’s mid-century modern as a distinctive backdrop for certain episodes.
13. Wanted (2016)
In Season 2 of the Australian TV series Wanted, the production team filmed several key scenes in Bangkok. Notably, actress Rebecca Gibney was spotted filming a crucial scene in the Chinatown district of Bangkok, specifically at a roundabout location. The series utilized various other locations in Bangkok to depict the characters’ international escapades as they navigated complex criminal conspiracies.
14. Planet Earth II (2016)
In the famous Planet Earth II series, Thailand was featured in the “Mountains” episode as the production crew visited Tham Nam Lod Cave in the Daen Lao Mountains in Mae Hong Son province. The extensive cave system, coupled with impressive limestone formations, challenged the film crew to film its dark interiors and its secretive inhabitants.
15. Top Gear UK (2014)
Top Gear UK travels around the world testing supercars and pushing the vehicles to their limits. In 2014 (Series 21, Episodes 6 and 7), the production crew traveled to Chiang Rai’s Kok River and constructed a bridge, highlighting the challenges of building infrastructure in remote areas.
In 2022, Pick-Ups feature (Series 33, Episode 1), the team embarked on a trip across Thailand and explored the pick-up culture.
16. Gordon’s Great Escape (2011)
In Gordon’s Great Escape, the production team filmed in Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam, exploring the countries’ rich culinary traditions and diverse landscapes. Although specific locations were not mentioned, the series showcases Ramsay’s interactions with local chefs and learning more about Thai cuisine through taste, technique, and texture.
17. Running Man (Special Episodes) (2010)
Running man, the popular Korean variety show, has featured several episodes filmed in Thailand. In Episodes 50 and 51, aired in July 2011, the cast and guests, including Nichkhun from 2PM, visited Bangkok and the Pattaya Floating Market. These episodes highlighted local landmarks and markets, immersing the cast in Thai culture through various missions and challenges.
Additionally, Episode 97, aired in June 2012, featured guests Park Ji-sung and IU, further emphasizing Thailand’s appeal as a filming destination for international entertainment.
18. F4: Boys Over Flowers (2009)
F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers was filmed at several real locations around Bangkok. The five-star hotel Rosewood Bangkok was used as Ren’s residence, highlighting the character’s upscale lifestyle. Asiatique the Riverfront set the scene for Thyme and Gorya’s first date, adding a romantic riverside atmosphere. Safari World Zoo was featured during a fun double date sequence. Rangsit University stood in for the elite Kocher High School, where much of the story takes place. Pui Florist served as Gorya’s part-time workplace, reflecting her humble background.
19. Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour (2003)
Anthony Bourdain filmed in Thailand across three separate locations for his television shows. He first visited in 2003 for A Cook’s Tour (Season 2, Episode 11 – “Let’s Get Lost”), traveling to Chiang Mai, where he immersed himself in local markets and sampled traditional dishes.
In 2009, No Reservations documented Bourdain’s exploration of street food in Bangkok and Phuket. Iconic locations featured in the episode included the Amphawa Floating Market and Taling Chan Floating Market.
In 2014, Bourdain returned to northern Thailand for Parts Unknown, this time accompanied by chef Andy Ricker. Together, they explored Chiang Mai’s rich culinary scene, visiting notable spots such as Laap Khao Cham Chaa, Soom Sien Bar, Khao Ka Moo Cowboy Hat Lady, Kraprao Restaurant, and other restaurants.
Thailand’s stunning locations and professional crew have made it a key destination for international TV productions. Whether it’s a romantic K-drama, a high-stakes thriller, or a reality show, Thailand provides the perfect backdrop. If you are looking for a production crew to help you with your production, let us help. Our team of English-speaking specialists is ready to help you upon first contact.
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