For the first four months of the year, 283 documentaries, advertising slots, TV series, and music videos were filmed on location in Thailand, generating B671.43 million in tourism-related revenue.
Of the 283, 43 were documentaries, 168 were advertising spots, 39 were for television programmes, 14 were music videos and 19 were shoots for feature films.
Japan filmmakers topped the list for the first four months with 60 productions followed by 53 from India, 40 from Europe, 20 from Hong Kong, 18 from South Korea, 15 from the United States, 14 from China, nine from Australia, three from Taiwan, and 51 from others.
In April, 60 productions generated B130.70 million compared with 45 productions and B109.99 million during the same month last year.
Of the 60 productions, 14 were documentaries, 33 advertising spots, eight TV programmes, two feature films, and three music videos.
India led the field in April with 13 productions followed by 10 each from Japan and Europe, four each from the US and Hong Kong, three from China, two each from Australia and Taiwan, and 12 from others.
Promoting film shoots comes under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports because it is believed that films provide positive tourism awareness that encourages travel without requiring a major investment in media or advertising.
A prime example of this was the number of Chinese tourists attracted to Thailand after seeing the Chinese movie Lost in Thailand, many wanting to see the places depicted in the movie.
While revenue earned from film crews is substantial, the bigger picture, it is argued, is the positive awareness of Thailand once the films are circulated.