Essential Tips for International Crews Shooting in Thailand

Thailand has become one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for international film and video production. From Bangkok’s vibrant urban energy to serene beaches, lush jungles, and historic temples, the country offers stunning backdrops and strong production infrastructure. Whether you’re planning music video production in Thailand, event video production in Bangkok, or scouting for a feature film in Phuket, there are practical considerations that can make or break your shoot.

This guide covers essential tips for international crews preparing to film in Thailand — from navigating permits to finding the right videographer in Bangkok.

1. Pre-Production: Permits & Paperwork

Thailand has a structured film permit system. All foreign productions must apply through the Thailand Film Office (TFO), in collaboration with a local production partner or an accredited local fixer by TFO. Expect at least 10 business days for approval. Corporate shoots, event video productions in Bangkok, and documentaries follow slightly different processes — so plan accordingly.

Radiate Studios Insights: We recommend locking in your permit applications early. Think of it as booking your plane ticket — the sooner you do it, the fewer headaches later. Our role is to streamline this — preparing paperwork, liaising with TFO, and making sure approvals land on time.

2. Choosing the Right Local Crew

Local expertise is the backbone of any successful production in Thailand. Even if you’re flying in your own director and DP, you’ll still need bilingual production coordinators, assistants, and camera operators who can navigate the local environment with ease. When you hire a videographer in Bangkok, prioritize professionals with experience working alongside international crews and global brands. This ensures smoother communication, faster workflows, and fewer cultural hiccups on set.

Thailand’s talent pool is extensive. You’ll find specialists in drone filming, gimbal/Steadicam operation, lighting design, and sound recording — many of whom are accustomed to the fast-paced demands of overseas productions.

• Boutique Production Companies for Full Crews

For larger productions, partnering with a boutique production house that already services international clients can save weeks of trial and error.

1. Radiate Studios — Managed productions for Warner Bros., HBO Max, Google APAC, and Gulf Oil MotoGP, offering bilingual crews, drone pilots, and post-production expertise.

2. 1Active — A Bangkok-based production company specializing in branded content and commercials with a strong network across Asia.

3. Projekt Now — A creative collective with a strong focus on fashion, lifestyle, and youth-driven campaigns in Thailand.

   
   

Gulf Oil MotoGP Video Production by Radiate Studios

A boutique partner ensures that your creative vision is executed to global standards while also navigating local realities, such as logistics and permits.

• Freelancers for Smaller Crews

If your project is leaner — like a branded content shoot, lifestyle piece, or influencer-driven campaign — Thailand has no shortage of skilled freelancers. Videographers and photographers often showcase their work on Instagram, Behance, or local Facebook production groups, where you can connect directly with creatives. Many are English-speaking, accustomed to collaborating with foreign brands, and offer flexible rates.

• Fixers for End-to-End Coordination

For productions needing a trusted ground partner, the Thailand Film Office (TFO) lists accredited fixers and local coordinators. These professionals handle everything from permit applications to location scouting and can assemble an entire crew for you. Working with a fixer is especially useful if you’re not partnering with a full-service production house but still need a reliable point of contact to manage logistics.

3. Location Scouting & Rentals

Bangkok alone offers everything from modern skyscrapers to bustling markets and traditional temples.

Outside the city, islands like Phuket and Koh Samui, or the mountains in Chiang Mai, bring very different atmospheres.

For smooth logistics, look into film location rental in Bangkok. Location booking platforms, such as SceneAccess, can secure sites and connect you with property managers who are accustomed to working with film crews. This saves time and helps ensure you don’t run into unexpected restrictions on shoot day.

Radiate Studios Insights: When scouting, we always look at accessibility for gear trucks and crew parking — a glamorous rooftop location isn’t much use if you can’t get your equipment there!

Urban pulse: A busy Bangkok street beneath the skytrain tracks, capturing the city’s mix of modern infrastructure and everyday traffic

• Equipment & Rental Houses

Once you’ve locked in your locations, having access to the right gear is critical. Bangkok has several trusted rental houses that international crews rely on:

• Lighthouse — Known for a wide range of cinema cameras, lighting, and grip equipment.

• DOP House — A favorite among indie and commercial filmmakers for competitive pricing and reliable support.

• Big Eye — Established rental provider with a reputation for high-end camera packages and professional service.

Working with reputable rental houses ensures not just access to top-tier equipment, but also technical support if something goes wrong on set.

4. Drone Filming in Thailand

Thailand’s landscapes are a dream for aerial cinematography, but drone filming comes with strict regulations. Pilots must be licensed, and drones need to be registered with both the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

Hiring a licensed operator who already knows the process will save you time and reduce risk. If you’re planning drone filming in Thailand, work with a team that has experience shooting both urban and natural environments — regulations differ depending on the area.

Checklist: Permissions & Documentation for Drone Filming in Thailand

1. Hire a Licensed Pilot

   • All drones must be operated by a certified and licensed pilot.

2. Register Your Drone

   • Registration is required with both the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

3. Submit Flight Routes

   • For Bangkok metropolitan locations, flight paths must be submitted and approved via the OpenSky application before shooting.

4. Secure Property Owner Permission

   • If you’re taking off from or flying over private property, you must obtain written consent from the building or landowners.

5. Get Municipal Approval

   For flights in public areas (streets, parks, open squares), permission must be secured from the relevant municipal office.

5. Managing Climate and Conditions

Thailand’s tropical climate is both a blessing and a challenge. Expect high humidity, sudden downpours, and strong sun. For crews working on music video production in Thailand, unpredictable weather can affect continuity and equipment safety. Bring protective covers for cameras, allow buffer days in your schedule, and always have a Plan B location.

Radiate Studios Insights: Thailand has three main seasons—cool season (Nov–Feb) with clear skies and mild temperatures, hot season (Mar–May) with strong sunlight and higher heat, and the rainy season (Jun–Oct) where afternoon showers are common but skies can look dramatic on camera. Knowing this helps us plan the right shooting window, whether it’s for golden-hour cityscapes in Bangkok or drone sweeps along tropical coastlines. We also advise clients to budget at least one buffer day in each major location.

6. Cultural Awareness on Set

Respect for local customs goes a long way. Pay attention to etiquette, especially when filming near temples or in rural communities. Respectful behavior can facilitate smoother collaboration and even open up unique filming opportunities.

7. Why Work with a Local Production Partner?

From handling permits to providing event video production in Bangkok, a local partner ensures your shoot runs smoothly. A boutique production house like Radiate Studios can:

• Provide bilingual crew members for seamless communication.

• Secure film permits and location rentals efficiently.

• Offer specialized services like drone filming in Thailand.

Help adapt your creative vision to local realities while staying aligned with international standards.

Conclusion

Thailand is an incredible location for filmmakers, but success depends on preparation, local knowledge, and the right partnerships. Whether you’re producing a music video, corporate event, or feature film, having a reliable team on the ground makes all the difference.

Radiate Studios: Your Local Partner in Thailand

At Radiate Studios, we’re based in Bangkok and work closely with international clients from a wide range of industries. Our bilingual team specializes in creating impactful content—whether it’s corporate campaigns, commercials, music videos, or live event coverage. With deep knowledge of local production, drone filming, and event shoots, we bring efficiency, creativity, and reliability to every project we take on.