Count Thai tourism officials among those who appreciate new dino-themed movie
BY: IAN STALKER
The Tourism Authority of Thailand fully expects that the big screen will again boost Thailand’s popularity among the world’s travellers.
Thai landscapes are featured in current box office success Jurassic World: Rebirth, showcasing regions of Thailand to a huge international audience, says Anoma Vongyai, the tourism authority’s director.
Jurassic World: Rebirth is the latest in a long line of dinosaur-themed movies bearing Jurassic in their names to follow the 1990s blockbuster Jurassic Park.
“The film captures the dramatic limestone cliffs, lush jungles, and crystal-clear waters of southern Thailand, framing them as cinematic, adventurous, and visually striking,” Vongyai told Travel Courier. “Locations like Railay Beach, Khlong Root, and Sunset Beach on Koh Kradan offer both recognizability and aspirational beauty. The production also made use of varied terrains – coastal, cliffside, and forest – demonstrating Thailand’s versatility as a filming backdrop. The scenes are featured prominently in the movie’s trailers, marketing materials, and fan content, to position Thailand not just as a backdrop but as a character in the story, making the scenery itself a reason to visit.”
Vongyai said the filming of Jurassic World: Rebirth has already injected significant amounts of money into the Thai economy but the best is yet to come as intrigued tourists seek out areas showcased by it.
“The real tourism benefit will come from sustained ‘set-jetting’ demand,” Vongyai added. “With Jurassic World’s global fan base and high visual appeal, the exposure can drive significant visitor interest to Krabi, Phang-Nga, and Trang over the next two to three years, especially among eco-tourists, adventure travellers, and film enthusiasts.”
This wouldn’t be the first time the movie industry has delivered major benefits to Thai tourism, with, for instance, the James Bond classic The Man With the Golden Gun – largely set in Thailand – providing huge exposure for the southeast Asian nation. The island retreat used by movie villain Scaramanga is now commonly referred to as James Bond Island. The scenic retreat – found not far from the popular tourist resort of Phuket – now routinely hosts visitors. More recently, HBO’s The White Lotus: Season 3 was also filmed in Thailand, further cementing the destination’s place on the global entertainment and tourism map.
Thailand, viewed by many as a beach and cultural destination, has been courting adventure and eco-tourism enthusiasts, pointing to the likes of its large tracts of heavily forested areas.
“The film captures the dramatic limestone cliffs, lush jungles, and crystal-clear waters of southern Thailand, framing them as cinematic, adventurous, and visually striking. Locations like Railay Beach, Khlong Root, and Sunset Beach on Koh Kradan offer both recognizability and aspirational beauty. The production also made use of varied terrains — coastal, cliffside, and forest — demonstrating Thailand’s versatility as a filming backdrop.”
Vongyai added that it isn’t surprising that movie producers often choose Thailand for their productions.
“Thailand stands out as a premier destination for international filmmakers, studios, and producers by combining generous government-backed incentives with world-class production capabilities and unmatched scenic diversity,” Vongyai stated. “The country offers tiered cash rebates of up to 30%, comprehensive tax exemptions, and a streamlined “one-stop” permit system, ensuring cost efficiency and rapid project initiation.
“Its diverse landscapes – from tropical beaches and lush rainforests to vibrant cities and ancient temples – allow a variety of storylines to be filmed within one country, supported by modern studios, advanced equipment, and highly skilled multilingual crews. Robust infrastructure, reliable logistics, and year-round filming conditions are paired with Thailand’s renowned hospitality and cultural richness, providing both practical and creative advantages for high-quality, authentic productions.”
Travellers can also visit a new immersive experience in Bangkok, Jurassic World: The Experience to get up close and personal with dinosaurs. The 6,000-square-metre attraction features thrilling set recreations, interactive exhibits, and a dynamic journey into the world of the film.
TAT also recently brought thirty international media representatives—alongside the film’s director Gareth Edwards and cast members Jonathan Bailey, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, and Audriana Miranda— to Thailand to further promote the destination.
“Given the global event hosted by the TAT in partnership with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment the awareness is likely high,” Vongyai said. “The curated ‘Sea, Land, and Air’ experiences ensure that targeted audiences will see and associate Krabi, Phang-Nga, and Trang with Jurassic World: Rebirth. With the content now circulating across digital platforms and press outlets, awareness of Thailand as a filming location is steadily growing beyond industry circles to reach the wider public.”
