TAT showcases Thailand’s film production strengths and tourism appeal at TIFF 2026

Bangkok, 17 September 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is highlighting Thailand’s potential as an international film location and source of film-inspired travel through engagements at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026 from 10–16 September in Toronto, Canada. Under “Amazing Location Thailand: From Scene to Scenic”, TAT is connecting filmmakers and industry professionals with Thailand’s locations, production capabilities, culture, communities and travel experiences that can shape onscreen stories and inspire journeys from them.

Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said, “Thailand’s strength as a film location goes beyond scenery and production capability. Its people, culture and communities give each destination character and offer creators a deeper sense of place. Through ‘Amazing Location Thailand: From Scene to Scenic’, TAT helps bring those stories to the screen and encourage audiences to explore the places and experiences by themselves.”

The campaign is part of TAT’s film tourism strategy within the Sub-Culture Economy, one of five pillars under the Amazing 5 Economy framework. It connects two sources of tourism value: attracting international productions to Thailand and using screen content to generate interest in destinations and experiences that audiences see. This approach translates creative activity into travel demand, increasing revenue opportunities for tourism businesses and communities within Thailand’s Visitor Economy.

At TIFF 2026, TAT is delivering this strategy through an industry panel, a special Variety Studio interview, a networking reception co-hosted with CULTURED, and a presence at the TIFF 2026 Market. Together, the four activities combine creative dialogue, international media exposure, industry networking and destination discovery.

An “Amazing Locations: From Scene to Scenic — Place as Character: How Thailand Shapes Global Cinema?” industry panel examined how locations become part of the narrative rather than simply serving as backdrop. Thai filmmaker Banjong Pisanthanakun, film producer and executive Cod Satrusayang, and international film producer, curator and industry expert Raymond Phathanavirangoon discussed how Thailand’s landscapes, culture, communities and way of life contribute to storytelling and gives international productions a distinctive sense of place.

TAT extended the discussion through a Variety Studio interview produced by Variety Media. The programme explored Thailand as a film location and the relationship between film, place and travel, carrying the campaign’s message beyond on-site engagement at TIFF.

Industry connections were also enhanced through a networking reception co-hosted with CULTURED. Over 50 film and entertainment professionals attended, giving TAT a focused setting to update producers, filmmakers and industry representatives on Thailand’s locations, production environment and future opportunities.

At the TIFF 2026 Market, TAT presented 10 curated filming routes across Thailand, combining potential film locations with culture, communities and local experiences. The routes give creators a broader view of Thailand as a production setting while showing how on-screen destinations can turn into real-world journeys that audiences will want to experience first-hand.

The market presence also reflected wider Team Thailand coordination. TAT was joined by the Department of International Trade Promotion under the Ministry of Commerce and the Thailand Film Office under the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Each presented its respective role and support for the industry, giving international filmmakers a broader perspective of Thailand’s production ecosystem, skilled personnel, infrastructure and facilities.

For more information on Thailand’s film locations, visit www.tourismthailand.org/amazinglocationth.