Foreign Film Production - Film and Work Permits Application in Thailand

ClipCube Media is not a production house for movies, but do produce documentaries, interviews, have a casting studio and are specialist in permit applications as licensed local coordinators.

We will coordinate to introduce you to suitable production houses, equipment providers, location scouts, transport, catering, accommodation and talent agencies in Thailand.

Filming in Thailand Process

Step 1 – Appoint a local coordinator

Step 2 – Select your locations and confirm location permit requirements. This will be needed as part of the film permit application.

Step 3 – Prepare a list of foreign crew members, their position and get passport copy.

Step 4 – Prepare a list of equipment that should come under your ATA Carnet (confirm you country is a member of ATA Carnet) in preparation locate an equipment supplier.

Step 5 – Prepare required documentation for the film permit application.

Step 6 –  Apply for the film permit.

Step 7 – On receiving the permit, make sure you have the relevant visa and then apply for the work permits. 

You will need a film permit and there after work permits alongside your Non-Immigrant Visa Category “M” (Media/Film) for the foreign crew which is managed via the Thai Film Office through your local coordinator.

A Thai Film Office representative will attend your film shoots on location to ensure you follow protocols accompanied by the local coordinator.

Depending where you are shooting you will need a location permit from a local authority. In some cases you may want to have a local official from the police or other, accompanying you to coordinate with other local officials, or opportunists.

Location permits are not required on private land.

If you are using a drone, you will need a Thai certified drone pilot.

If you are bring in your own equipment from overseas, make sure you follow the ATA Carnet procedures.

 Yes. You need an official coordinator to prepare,  and submit your applications. Expect a to jump a few hurdles.

There is a list of Local coordinators provided by the Thai Film Office, of which WCT is listed (ClipCube Media’s mother company).

Their English and Thai language ability will be crucial.

Don’t go with the cheapest. You get what you pay for. Work with an established company.

The local coordinator will be a liaison between the Thailand Film Office and the foreign production company. They will also normally be on site with the Thailand Film Office monitor officer during filming.

In addition the local coordinator can advise you on any tax incentives/refunds being offered by the Thai government at that time.

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 programme presentation for TV programmes.
5. A schedule of filming in Thailand specifying exact dates and locations (for all types of productions)
6. Company details including full name, address, contact details. Contact person, website, phone numbers.
7. Names of each person who will come to Thailand and arrival dates and leave dates
8. Budget for filming in Thailand
9. Accommodation in Thailand: Name, address, Tel, Email.

The Thai Film Office’s estimate is:

• within 3 days for advertising and public relations, documentary, music video, and TV program.
• Within 5-10 days for TV program with sensitive content, short film, feature film, TV series, TV drama, and reality show.

In reality it can take a lot longer if there are questions about the submission or they request additional information.

The biggest issue is normally the delay in the client provide all the information  in a timely manner. there also normally some questions so the paperwork can be prepared correctly, then there is the translation.

Detail about the crew must also be provided.

Thereafter the local coordinator needs to make an appointment to present and submit the documentation, and answer any questions they have.

So in a best case scenario allow for at least 1 month for this process.

Your local coordinator will make arrangements for this.

If the crew is working for 15 days or less some forms need to be  completed and submitted to the Department of Employment to notify them of your work. A Thai E Visa or tourist visa is sufficient at this time.

If you are working for more than 15 days a work permit is required. A Non-Immigrant visa category “M” (Media Visa) is required when applying for the work permit to work in a foreign film production in Thailand. The visa is valid for 90 days from the date
of issue. Visitors must obtain a visa from the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate–General: https://www.thaiembassy.org. After arrival in Thailand, visa holders may contact the Immigration Bureau of Thailand for an extension of stay and re-entry permit.

A Power of Attorney is required for the local coordinator to submit the applications, with a duty stamp affixed,  on behalf of the film crew, with a copy of the crew member’s ID/passport.

Work permits need to be collected by the crew member themselves.

Assuming you use ClipCube Media services, we will provide you an up to date list of all document requirements and related official fees, at that time.

ALWAYS CHECK REQUIREMENTS INCASE THERE HAVE BEEN CHANGES.

There is no charge for the film permit.

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The duty of Thai Film Board’s representative is to make sure that what is actually being shot has followed the script that has been previously approved. Should scenes vary from the script the representative is there to advise as to whether it is possible to shoot those scenes or not. 

When shooting in Thailand, it is advisable that you do not have anything in the script or footage that offends Thailand’s national institutions, religion, customs and culture. The film must not be deemed as threat to security. Finally, shooting must not cause any significant effect/damage to the environment.

Thai Film Office Representative cost

If you cannot rent the equipment in Thailand, then yes use the ATA Carnet for your professional equipment. 

Thailand is a member of the ATA Carnet Convention. 

Preparations will be done from your home location. This is something Thailand based assistance cannot be provided.

Please do note, this DOES NOT apply to drones. Drones or UAVS, are NOT allowed to be imported to Thailand if you have not registered with the NTBC (Radio Communications Ministry) and CAAT (Civil Aviation Authority) prior. This process generally takes around 1-6 months and the forms are in Thai language.