“I am delighted that Thailand’s national parks have been chosen as locations for a world-renowned movie,” said Pol Gen Phatcharavat, reports the Bangkok Post.
“This not only spreads the word about the value of the parks but also boosts tourism and generates income for communities
He said the ministry has instructed authorities to enforce regulations to ensure the filming does not harm natural resources and the environment.
Production of the film must also be eco-friendly to reduce carbon emissions, Pol Gen Phatcharavat said.
Athapol Charoenshunsa, Director-General of the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), said the Department of Tourism has informed his agency that the film and video review committee has granted permission for the filming of ‘Jurassic World 4’ to take place from June 13-16.
Shooting locations for the film will be in Bangkok, Phang Nga, Krabi, Phuket and Trang.
Peston Film Co Ltd, the coordinating company for the production, has sought permission to shoot the movie in three national parks.
They are Sunset Beach in Koh Kradan of Hat Chao Mai National Park in Trang (five days); Huai To Waterfall in Khao Phanom Bencha National Park in Krabi (three days); and Khao Tapu, Koh Song Phi Nong and Koh Nakaya in Ao Phang Nga National Park in Phang Nga (five days).
The natural landscape of Huai To Waterfall will be featured in a major scene with large trees resembling ancient forests, providing an ideal site for the film.
Required permit fees and a damage deposit of B2 million have already been paid. The filming fee in the national park is set at B3,500 per day.
The film’s proposed content has been reviewed by the film review committee.
The authorities said filming locations in the permitted areas must not be blocked or hindered throughout the filming period.
Measures will be taken to control noise pollution, equipment and other technical aspects for safety reasons and to prevent damage to natural resources, the environment and wildlife, DNP Chief Mr Athapol said.
The natural landscape must be kept intact, and filming must not get in the way of park visitors, he added. Filming will be supervised by national park chiefs.
Downplaying fears of the forest being harmed, Mr Athapol said most scenes will be filmed in a studio or using computer graphics. The authorities were informed of props to be used, such as artificial rocks, and were assured natural elements will be left untouched.
“We have learned from the filming of ‘The Beach’ at Maya Bay [released in 2000]. Therefore, everything will be supervised strictly," he said.