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What are the visa options for foreign filmmakers working in Thailand?

Thai visa regulations Work permit for filmmakers M visa Freelance work in Thailand Film production Foreign talent in Thailand Visa application process

Sep 10, 2024

3 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I've been approached by a business with international clients in Thailand to direct, shoot and create a series of films for their business. 

I'm English. I know there are many restrictions in place regarding work and visas but wondered if anyone knew if there any exceptions or work applications that can made to allow this kind of prospective work to happen legally? 

Thanks in advance :)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A filmmaker from England is seeking guidance on obtaining the appropriate visa and work permit for a project with an international client in Thailand. The conversation explores various options, including whether the filmmaker needs to register a business, the necessity of securing a work permit, and the potential availability of a temporary 'M' visa specifically for film production. Several commenters shared resources, advice, and personal experiences regarding the visa application process and the legal complexities associated with working in the Thai film industry.

Erik ***********

I did this for years in Thailand: foreign films/commercials/TV but always with a pro Thai team. You wil always need a «fixer», driver(s), maybe sometimes doing the books, etc. Even if you are normally a one-man-team for most locations you will need a permission etc. etc. I am retired but can point you in the right direction. To a company or persons who have International experience. They will also help you with visa and permissions. Good luck, I miss the business but not getting up in the dark day after day, month after month. Just DM me.

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John **********

What stamp are you currently on?

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Terary **********

I have no specific knowledge on the matter... But I have read in the news that Thailand pursues filming in the kingdom and the financial gain. Fast and Furious and some Lotus movies/shows were filmed here, those people don't look Thai (Asian), I suspect some how they were able to work legally.

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Chloé ******

Most people in acting work without a valid visa and that's a big problem here. I wish the government would support his foreign talents and the media industry by giving them a legit visa to be able to do their job legally. I hope someone will one day be setting an organism or doing some petition to get this done...

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Bob **********

I have a friend from Canada that is a camera man on many films here in Thailand

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Chris *******

You may qualify for a temporary "M" visa for the movie production.

Check with your local embassy about availability.

Can also be done in country with the necessary documentation.

You would have to contact bangkok or the local immigration to find out exactly what is required.

The cost at immigration is 1900b for an extension.

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Paul *********

There is a Facebook group for actors and models, that will help

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Michael ********

This company can assist specifically for filming visas

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Henry *********

The business who is employing you for the job should sort out the appropriate visa & work permit.

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Kyan *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Henry ********

I guess the question is more about the potential cost and complexity of it as that'll impact what I can quote/whether it's worth it for them. So I was curious if anyone had any idea of the process

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Kyan *****

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Lone **********

Where is this client based, and where do you live now?

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Ning ******

you have to get a work permit from immigration.

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Frank **********

Do you have a registered business in Thailand? Or are you a Freelancer?

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Kyan *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frank *********

I'm a freelancer. I travel a lot and pccasionally I get approached by people from the country I'm in about creating work for them so I was curious to know what the process is for doing that legally here.

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Kyan *****

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Keith *******

Best of luck to you. I'm sure the Thai government will be interested as at cost.

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Keith *******

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

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