Thailand’s starring role in ‘The White Lotus’ is about to pay off

by

As a seasoned traveler and food enthusiast who has visited countless destinations around the globe, I must say that the impact of Hollywood productions like “The White Lotus” on local communities is truly fascinating to observe.

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself in the enchanting paradise of Koh Samui, Thailand, on a quest to discover the ideal location for the upcoming season of “The White Lotus.” My journey brought me to the Four Seasons Resort, where I stood in awe of the breathtaking panorama – lush mountain vistas, shimmering ocean horizons, and villas that cost a whopping $9,000 per night.

Jasjit Singh Assi, the general manager of the hotel, had prepared his presentation. It wasn’t difficult to convince White, as it turned out.

Assi remembered that he became silent for a moment. Then he declared, ‘Here we go, this is the moment.’ It seemed like he had developed an affection for it.

As a movie enthusiast, I can hardly contain my excitement as we edge closer – nearly two years on – to finally witnessing the fruits of our collective anticipation. Next year, we’ll all be partakers in the grand spectacle that is the upcoming movie season!

The murder-mystery comedy-drama, named “The White Lotus”, unfolds at a make-believe resort. It’s gained recognition for its humorous and critical depiction of affluent vacationers and the staff who attend to them. Additionally, it’s famous for inspiring actual travel increases as viewers try to visit the show’s filming locations – a trend referred to as “The White Lotus Impact”.

A leading part is a highly influential promotion for Thailand, which aspires to gain more revenue not only from Western film productions but also tourists. Recently, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held discussions with Hollywood executives in Los Angeles and unveiled a strategy to boost cash incentives for foreign movie producers.

The plan, which awaits approval by lawmakers, would lift the maximum rebate from 20% to 30%, with no upper limit on total cash back.

Cod Satrusayang, head of development at Indochina Productions located in Bangkok, exclaimed, ‘This is truly remarkable!’ It positions us among the top-tier companies in Asia, making us highly competitive on a global scale.

Due to escalating production expenses, a decrease in streaming demand, and labor strikes last year, Hollywood is facing significant challenges. In response, various other nations are eagerly offering more affordable services and fiscal incentives supported by their governments as alternatives.

In Satrusayang’s words, he noted that when individuals relocated abroad for manufacturing purposes, they discovered it was just as feasible to produce a film at a significantly lower cost compared to Los Angeles.

Countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom are taking the lead in granting incentives. However, even developing nations like Indonesia, Jordan, and Morocco have joined this trend, offering grants, tax reductions, and cash rewards for local expenditures.

Awards

Frequently, terms like “humanity” and “humility” are brought up in conversations about the multi-talented personality behind “The White Lotus.

The Thai government launched a subsidy program back in 2017. As per Udom Matsayawanigul, the head of the Thailand Film Office, which falls under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the need for this program emerged due to intensified competition among countries trying to attract foreign film productions. To stay competitive, Thailand has had to enhance its incentives.

A while back, it’s said that the nation managed to switch “The White Lotus” production from Japan, thanks in part to offering substantial tax breaks that significantly reduced the project’s expenses by many millions.

In the previous year, Japan initiated a funding program that would cover up to 50% of eligible costs for international productions, with a maximum of approximately 6.8 million US dollars per project. Meanwhile, India boosted its refund from 30% to 40%, and expanded the ceiling from 300,000 USD to 3.5 million USD in the same period.

The Thailand Film Office estimates that every dollar of foreign film investment generates $2.80 in economic activity. The government hopes the attention will help it reach its goal of attracting a record 40 million tourists next year.

There are risks.

Television

In a revealing discussion, writer-director Mike White and his actors share insights on how HBO’s miniseries exposed the hidden ‘feelings of apocalyptic dread’ that lie beneath the glamour of high-end vacations.

A 2023 Thai action movie depicting a kidnapping incident is believed to have led to a decrease in Chinese tourist visits. More recently, an Apple commercial filmed in Thailand faced criticism for portraying the country as rundown and outdated. Subsequently, Apple issued an apology and removed the ad from social media platforms.

Following the 2000 premiere of “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, approximately 8,000 tourists visited the minuscule Koh Phi Phi islands daily. Overcrowding Maya Bay with boats, they chased away marine life and harmed coral reefs in the process.

2018 saw the temporary closure of Maya Bay’s primary beach by authorities, for the purpose of restoration. After four years, it was reopened in January 2022 with certain restrictions; these include bans on swimming and anchoring within coral zones, as well as scheduled closures for maintenance purposes.

Matsayawanigul stated, “The movie ‘The Beach’ served as a learning experience for Thailand. The National Parks Department has taken this matter into account.

“The White Lotus” is far from the only show to inspire travelers.

World & Nation

Approximately two years ago, Thailand was the pioneer in Asia to legalize marijuana without criminal penalties. However, similar to California, the implementation hasn’t gone smoothly according to initial plans.

In a statement, Misty Belles, Vice President of Global Public Relations at the international luxury travel agency Virtuoso, noted that popular shows such as “Emily in Paris,” “Bridgerton,” and “Squid Game” have sparked an uptick in tourism to France, Britain, and South Korea respectively.

However, nothing quite compares to the impact of Mike White’s creation. Following the release of the first season, filmed in Maui, American bookings for a trip to Hawaii surged by 25%, based on data provided by luxury tour operator Black Tomato. Similarly, after Season 2, which was set in Taormina, Italy, reservations for Sicily tripled, as travel began experiencing a significant resurgence following the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

“The location almost becomes a character in and of itself,” Belles said.

She mentioned that they’ve noticed a rise in reservations as people look forward to Season 3, a part of which will be filmed in both Bangkok and Phuket.

Television

On Friday, it was revealed that Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Dom Hetrakul, Tayme Thapthimthong and Michelle Monaghan will be part of the ensemble for “The White Lotus” in its upcoming season. Here’s what we currently know about Season 3.

On the island of Koh Samui, inhabited by around 70,000 Thais, the Four Seasons is currently experiencing peak occupancy levels, as reported by its general manager, Assi. He predicts that the upcoming year will see an even greater influx of guests.

He mentioned that not everyone recognizes Koh Samui as a travel destination. However, with the resort gaining worldwide recognition, there’s a sense of anticipation in the air. Our aim is to encourage more people to visit.

As a captivated observer, I can’t help but notice the surge of interest in Thailand, not just from foreign travelers who contribute significantly to our tourism income (approximately two-thirds), but also among domestic tourists. This newfound enthusiasm stems from the casting of Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, a Thai sensation and member of the globally acclaimed K-pop group Blackpink, in the hit series “The White Lotus.

Beyond the exclusive amenities like the private infinity pools, shared bathtubs for two, and round-the-clock butler service at this luxury resort, there’s a buzz of activity as they ready for a potential surge in tourist influx.

Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, head of the Koh Samui Tourism Association, announced that Bangkok Airways will boost its daily flights to the island from 50 to 73. Given that tourism comprises over 90% of Koh Samui’s economy, local officials are aiming for government permission to broaden the airport, improve ferry services, water and electricity infrastructure, and develop roads.

Hollywood Inc.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been keeping up with Netflix’s exciting lineup of original series from around the globe, and among them is the highly anticipated second season of the worldwide phenomenon ‘Squid Game,’ due for release next month!

He mentioned that they aim to increase our workforce, which implies enhancing our production capabilities. I notice several establishments planning renovations for the upcoming year too.

Last year, as tourism bounced back following the pandemic, Kanokkorn Lamlert and Patrick Moukarzel, proprietors of Thai Tapas restaurant, found themselves experiencing operational pressures.

When the nearby fish market ran out of stock, they found themselves needing to travel for 45 minutes to find sea bass or shrimp. They’ve mentioned that hotels and dining costs have gone up, and the roads are experiencing more frequent congestion.

According to Moukarzel’s prediction, the financial benefits of a tourism surge on Koh Samui would extend throughout the country.

He mentioned, “When you visit here, it’s not just about Samui. Your trip to Bangkok will also be enriched. Some travelers might spend a week in Chiang Mai initially. Upon their return, they often share, ‘We’ve been there, thanks to “The White Lotus”; it’s a must-visit!’

A variety of fans of the show, numbering approximately a dozen, have already been warmly received at the restaurant, as they recognized the cast and crew eating there through social media posts.

Hollywood Inc.

For Subscribers

A small New York town played host to Hollywood. Then something terrible happened

The ongoing controversy surrounding HBO’s potential involvement in a devastating set fire for their miniseries “I Know this Much is True,” featuring Mark Ruffalo, continues to stir discontent among residents of a quaint New York town. These locals claim they have been overlooked amid the back-and-forth accusations regarding the blaze’s origin.

The restaurant owners said they are planning a marketing campaign around the premiere of the season, which includes a scene shot on the street outside their restaurant. One idea is to introduce a new Thai dish made with lotus root, stir-fried mushroom and slow-cooked beef.

They will call it “The White Lotus Beef Ribs.”

Read More

2024-12-06 02:37