Thailand continues to be a filming local for Hollywood and Mother of the Bride

Thailand has become a premier destination for Hollywood and international filmmakers, using its breathtaking scenery to enhance tourism and boost the local economy. A shining example of Thailand’s cinematic charm is the recent American romantic comedy, Mother of the Bride, directed by Mark Waters.

A Picturesque Location

This delightful film was shot at the picturesque Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, both managed by Minor Hotels.

In 2022, the Thai government made a strategic move to attract foreign talent by waiving personal income tax for five years, adding to an already enticing film incentive program. The initiative was further sweetened with a cash rebate of up to 20 percent for foreign film productions, making Phuket a hotspot for international shoots.

Putting Thailand On The Map

Tourism authorities, the government, and local businesses are also optimistic that these investments will yield significant returns, predicting a boost in visitor numbers and increased spending as films like Mother of the Bride introduce Thailand to global audiences.

A Star-Studded Cast

Premiering on Netflix on 9 May 2024, Mother of the Bride features Brooke Shields, Miranda Cosgrove, and Benjamin Bratt. The film follows Lana, whose daughter Emma returns home with news of her upcoming destination wedding in Thailand, sparking a series of comedic mishaps, especially since Lana is about to marry her ex’s son.

William Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International, who makes a cameo in the film, expressed his excitement, saying, “Thailand is brilliantly leveraging the ‘set-jetting’ trend, where tourists visit locations featured in films and TV shows. Our aim is to highlight Thailand as a dynamic cinematic hub that boosts the local economy and offers tangible benefits to production teams in terms of cost and efficiency. When Thailand prospers, we all benefit.”