PUBLISHED : 1 Apr 2024 at 04:30
Nakhon Ratchasima: Local agencies and businesses have welcomed the government’s plan to promote the province as a hub for international film production.
The plan was announced by the chairwoman of the government’s soft power development committee, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, at a meeting on Friday that was also attended by representatives from the province’s chamber of commerce and local agencies.
A sub-committee on soft power development was also formed to carry out the initiative.
According to Watchari Pratyanuson, chairwoman of Nakhon Ratchasima’s tourism industry council, Ms Paetongtarn pledged to turn Nakhon Ratchasima into a new hub for filming, in an effort to attract international film and TV series producers to Thailand.
The province is blessed with a variety of landscapes that could be used for filming, including Khao Yai National Park in Pak Chong district, Phimai Historical Park in Phimai district, and Khorat Unesco Global Geopark, which covers five districts, she said.
The province is now waiting for the government to come up with a clear plan and the budget to attract filmmakers to shoot here, she said.
A one-stop service centre should be set up to assist film crews who are interested in shooting in the province, which can take care of details such as finding accommodation and dealing with visa processes, she said.
Since shooting often takes place over a long period, the push will benefit the local economy, said Rungtip Bookkhuntod, chief of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Tourism Authority of Thailand office.
What’s more, a location made popular by a TV series or film will attract more people to visit, she said.
There are many more locations to discover in Nakhon Ratchasima, including Ban Cha Po, a silk making community, and Ban Prang, which showcases Ruan Korat architecture, she said.