HBOS ‘The White Lotus’ is set to bring a tourist boom to Thailand

Mike White, creator of the HBO series “The White Lotus”, was in Thailand and searched for the perfect place to film the show’s third season. His journey had led him to the island of Koh Samui and into the outdoor lobby at Four Seasons Resort overlooking lush mountains, excellent sea and $ 9,000 at night villas.

The hotel’s general manager, Jasjit Singh Assi, was ready with his pitch. But it didn’t take much to persuade white.

“He was quiet a little,” Assi remembered. “Then he says, ‘Okay, that’s it.’ It was as if he were falling in love with it. “

Two years later, the whole country is preparing to reap the benefits when the new season premieres February 16.

Located in a fictional resort called The White Lotus, the murder mystery Dramedy has gained recognition for its satirical portrayal of wealthy tourists and the working locals who meet them. It is also known for triggering travel booms in real life as fans of the show seek the permanent locations-a phenomenon that has been called “the white lotuse effect.”

A starring role is an incomparable advertisement for Thailand that has broader ambitions to make more money from both Western film productions and tourists. Last month, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Hollywood leaders in Los Angeles and announced a plan to increase cash discounts for foreign filmmakers.

“It’s fantastic,” said Cod Satrusayang, Development Manager at Indochina Productions, a Bangkok-based production service company. “It literally puts us within the first level of Asia and very competitive with the rest of the world.”

Thailand’s discount program began in 2017. Out of Matsayawanigul, director of Thailand Film Office, which is part of the Ministry of Tourism, said that when competition to lure foreign productions has stiffened, Thailand has had to sweeten its offers to follow along.