Thailand’s newly revised cash rebate scheme for foreign film productions, which offers up to 30% with no maximum refund limit, is projected to boost the country’s revenue by 20%, or at least 7.5 billion baht, in 2025. The initiative is expected to attract high-budget productions from major studios, enhancing Thailand’s position as a competitive filming destination.
The cabinet approved the updated incentive on December 19, following a proposal by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The revised scheme increases the base cash rebate from 15-20% to 15-30%, depending on local investment levels. Productions with a local spend of 50 million baht are eligible for a 15% rebate, while those spending 100 million and 150 million baht qualify for 20% and 25% rebates, respectively.
Additional incentives include up to 3% for post-production in Thailand, 5% for hiring local workers in key roles, and 3% for filming in second-tier cities, which now require only 25% of filming days instead of the previous 50%. The total rebate cap remains at 30%, and the previous maximum refund limit of 150 million baht has been removed to encourage larger projects.
Jaturon Phakdeewanit, director-general of the Tourism Department, said this change aligns Thailand with global competitors in attracting major film productions. Studios such as HBO and Disney have expressed interest in filming in Thailand if such incentives are available. Currently, film projects worth 1 billion baht have already approached the Tourism Department for permits.
From January to December 15, Thailand hosted 471 film productions, generating over 6.19 billion baht. Since the inception of the rebate program in 2017, 72 films have utilized the scheme, contributing 16.1 billion baht to the economy, with 2.84 billion baht provided as cash rebates.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong emphasized the importance of adapting incentives to remain competitive as other countries enhance their tax credits and rebate systems. He added that the Tourism Department’s budget would fund the rebates, with provisions to access central government funds if needed. The new rebate scheme will take effect on January 1, 2025.
