The Tourism and Sports Ministry is to ask the cabinet for the outstanding foreign film cash rebates worth nearly 770 million baht for The White Lotus and Alien: Earth TV series within 2-3 months.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the Tourism Department is required to pay cash rebates of more than 940 million baht to foreign film producers, with the majority allocated to The White Lotus and Alien: Earth, which were released last year.
Jaturon Phakdeewanit, director-general of the department, said it asked the government for a central budget in fiscal 2026 to pay cash rebates to five foreign films. The department has already submitted the documents to the Budget Bureau.
Season 3 of The White Lotus invested 1.3 billion baht in Thailand, while Alien: Earth spent 2.8 billion baht.
Both are allowed a 20% cash rebate, which means roughly 240 million baht for The White Lotus and 528 million baht for Alien: Earth.
Cash rebates for both films were outstanding balances from fiscal 2025 as the payments were approved since the middle of last year.
Mr Jaturon said both films were produced by world-class studios, which should influence other filmmakers when they are deciding on locations.
The department has received inquiries from the studios, while the US Embassy also inquired about payment progress via the prime minister's office.
Mr Surasak said the ministry is coordinating with relevant agencies to accelerate the process, particularly prioritising these two films as their rebates were budgeted in the previous administration.
He said that if the government cannot distribute the funds via the central budget this year, the cash rebate will be included in the central budget for fiscal 2027, with disbursement starting in October.
Mr Jaturon said the payments should be finished before the merger of the Culture and Tourism and Sports ministries, which is scheduled for early next year.
Cash rebates for three other shoots tallied 171 million baht, which were approved for payment in April, noted the Tourism Department.
Thailand now offers film and TV production cash rebates of up to 30% of investment without a maximum limit.
Film spending from 50-100 million baht receives a rebate of 15%, while investment of 100-150 million baht is allowed a rebate of 20%, and more than 150 million baht is provided a rebate of 25%.
Filmmakers must comply with conditions, such as employing Thai nationals in key positions, showcasing Thai soft power, and shooting in second-tier cities.
Mr Surasak said the ministry may revisit the current measures if the tourism impact is deemed worthwhile.
