Apply For Filming

Foreign filmmakers are required to hire a local coordinator (company or individual) who is officially registered with the Thailand Film Office, Office of Tourism Development. Each coordinator must represent the foreign filmmaker for obtaining any necessary permits. They are also responsible for representing the film company in any matter arising both during and after the completion of shooting in Thailand. You can find a list of local coordinator in this guidebook (Production Services Section)

Once you have chosen and hired a local coordinator, they will help you compile the necessary documents to present to the Thailand Film Office on your behalf.

When a permit is granted, a Monitoring Officer will be appointed by the Thailand Film Office who is sent form the concerned government agencies to monitor and give advice at the shooting locations. He/She will apply a signed sticker to all film/tape used, confirming its content has been officially monitored. Filming is not allowed, under any circumstances, without acknowledgement of the Monitoring Officer.

A shooting permit enables foreign filmmakers to shoot in Thailand, however separate permits are required for specific locations such as National Parks. Historical Parks. All arrangements should be made as far as possible in advance of shooting dates. 

There is no permit fee, service charge or cash guaranntee (bond) necessary to complete the application process. But the filmmaker is required to pay for a perdiem to Monitoring Officer of 2,000 Baht per day/person. 

Payment for the services of local coordinator is as agreed between the said coordinator and and the filmmaker. The Thailand Film Office has no involvement in this arrangement, including the setting of rates for services provided. 

Note: According to the Film Act B.E. 2551(2008), any foreign filmmaker wishing to shoot film including documentary, music video, commercial, TV program and docudrama in Thailand, has to apply for permission from Thailand Film Office. OTD. Failure to seek the permission will subject violators to punitive fines and prison terms as stated in the Act. 

Production companies shooting TV commercials, Documentaries, Music Videos and TV programs should apply for permission at the One-Stop-Service Center where the process of application will be completed within 3 working days. For other types of productions e.g. Feature Films, Docudramas, TV dramas, Mini-Series and Reality Show, applications should be made at the Thailand Film Office at least 14 days (10 working days) in advance as script approval must be sought from the Film B

Applying at the One-Stop-Service Center

At the One-Stop-Service Center, you can obtain a shooting permit, permission to work, permission to film in National Parks (if needed), and permission to film in Historical Parks (if needed). The One-Stop Service application only applies to shoot lasting less than 15 calendar days, and it is not renewable.

Documents required (Original and 6 copies of each)

1. A letter made by the assigned local coordinator, informing the Director-General of the Office of Tourism Development of the purpose of applying for a shooting permit.
2. An assignment letter made by the foreign filmmaker, showing they have chosen and hired a local coordinator.
3. An application form.
   4. Supporting documents needed for permit consideration:

- Storyboard for TV commercials

- Treatment for documentaries

- Theme (concept) and Lyrics for music videos

- Details of content and objectives of program presentation for TV programs.

5. A schedule of filming in Thailand specifying exact dates and locations. (for all types of productions)
6. Name list, passport numbers, positions and arrival dates of foreign film crews. 

Process for applying at the One-Stop-Service Center

1. Complete general application form (SOP 1) regarding:

- A shooting permit.

- Work permits.

- A permit from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, if shooting on the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation’s property.

- A permit from the Fine Arts Department, if shooting on the Fine Arts Department’s property.

2. Complete additional forms from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation or the Fine Arts Department (where applicable).
3. All documents will be subject to official check. If documents are not complete, they will be returned to your local coordinator and they can be resubmitted after corrections have been made. Once the documents are complete, the case will be registered and the process of consideration is started.

Note: When shooting is to take place in historical sites. Prior approval must be obtained from the Fine Arts Department before submission of an application for a shooting permit at the One-Stop-Service Center.

In case of change made, complete form SOP 2 for extension or reduction of schedule and cancellation or change of location. This form must be submitted at the One-Stop-Service Center at least 1 day before the shooting commences.

Application process for Feature Film, Docudrama, TV drama, Mini-Series and Reality Show

For big productions or productions with a shooting schedule of more than 15 days, It is strongly recommended to hire a local coordinator company as your local coordinator. Individuals can be hired for documentaries, TV programs and music videos only.

Document required (original and 25 copies of each)

1. A letter made by the assigned local coordinator, informing the Director-General of the Office of Tourism Development of the purpose of applying for a shooting permit.
2. An assignment letter made by the foreign filmmaker, indicating the local coordinator that they have hired.
3. An application form.
4. Supporting documents needed for permit consideration:

- Synopsis

- A treatment

- Final script

5. A schedule of filming in Thailand informed period of filming and locations.
6. Name list, passport numbers, positions and arrival dates of foreign film crews.

After the completed documents are submitted to the Thailand Film Office. It will take at least 10 working days to grant a shooting permit as script approval must be sought from the Film Board.

In case where the script is not approved, the Film Board may ask the filmmakers to revise it.

For further details, please visit http://www.thailandfilmoffice.go.th