Thailand’s breathtaking landscapes have emerged as a magnet for Hollywood and international movie productions, showcasing the country’s allure as a filming destination. This allure was recently amplified during the filming of “Mother of the Bride,” an American romantic comedy directed by Mark Waters, which utilized the picturesque settings of Minor Hotels’ Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. This strategic move has been bolstered by the Thai government’s decision in 2022 to exempt foreign actors from personal income tax for five years, complementing an already enticing array of filmmaking incentives. The policy has since evolved to include a cash rebate of up to 20% for foreign movie projects, further positioning Phuket as an ideal film location. The collaboration of tourism officials, government entities, and local businesses has fostered optimism about the positive economic impact of this initiative. The influx of films like “Mother of the Bride,” which will be released on Netflix on May 9th, just ahead of international Mother’s Day, is anticipated to captivate global audiences and drive tourism, subsequently invigorating economic activity. The film features renowned stars Brooke Shields, Miranda Cosgrove, and Benjamin Bratt, and its plot revolves around Lana, whose life descends into hilarious chaos when her daughter Emma announces her impending nuptials in Thailand, coinciding with Lana’s own wedding plans with her ex’s son. William Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International and a cameo participant in the movie, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “Thailand is capitalizing on the ‘set-jetting’ trend, alluring tourists to movie filming sites. Our objective is to establish Thailand as a vibrant film hub that not only fuels the economy but also provides tangible benefits to filming crews in terms of cost and operational efficiency. When Thailand flourishes, we all prosper.”
Thailand Emerges as a Thriving Destination for Hollywood and International Film Productions
