Picture courtesy of Variety

 

By Bob Scott

 

As legions of White Lotus fans eagerly await the much-anticipated third series of the smash hit HBO drama, a gripping warning emerges from the exotic shores of Thailand.

 

White Lotus mastermind Mike White’s quest across Thailand in search of the ultimate location to capture the magic for the show’s upcoming season has been well documented.

 

His journey led him to the stunning island of Koh Samui, where he found himself mesmerised by the heavenly allure of the Four Seasons Resort. Nestled amidst lush mountains and overlooking a shimmering ocean, this paradise flaunts opulent US$9,000-a-night villas and promises a vision like no other.

 

Enter Jasjit Singh Assi, the resort’s general manager, who greeted White with a compelling, yet effortless, sales pitch. But Assi didn’t have to say much.

“He was quiet for a bit. Then he said, ‘All right, this is it.’ It was as if he fell in love with it.”

 

Fast forward nearly two years and the entire Thai nation is on the brink of a tourism bonanza as the show gears up for its premiere next year.

 

Set in the fictional haven of the White Lotus resort, this murder-mystery drama has won critical acclaim for its razor-sharp satire of affluent tourists and the locals who serve them. But its appeal stretches beyond the screen, sparking what’s now nicknamed the White Lotus Effect – an insatiable desire among fans to visit filming locations.

 

Thailand is set to play a starring role, doubling as a spectacular advertisement destined to rake in the dollars from Western film productions and thrill-seeking travellers. Just last month, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra jetted to Los Angeles to court Hollywood elites, unveiling a strategic plan set to beef up cash rebates for foreign filmmakers.

 

The proposal, awaiting legislative approval, intends to dial up the rebate cap from 20% to a tantalising 30%, with no ceiling on total reimbursement.

Cod Satrusayang, Indochina Productions chief, a Bangkok-based production firm, revealed more.

 

“It’s amazing! We’re catapulted to the top tier in Asia, and holding our own on the global stage.”

 

In a climate where Hollywood is grappling with higher production costs, flagging streaming numbers, and last year’s industry strikes, nations across the globe offer sweeter deals. Canada, Australia, and even the UK are at the forefront, enticing with grand incentives. Meanwhile, emerging players like Indonesia and Jordan offer grants, tax breaks, and cashback schemes to woo the industry bigwigs.

 

 

Thailand’s own rebate programme launched in 2017 and has proven its mettle by helping to lure The White Lotus crew away from a Japanese sojourn. By lopping millions off the budget with enticing rebates, Thailand has surged ahead in the international filming race.

 

The Thailand Film Office estimates that every dollar shelled out by foreign film Ventures fuels US$2.80 worth of economic activity, a handy boost with aspirations of reeling in a record 40 million tourists next year, reported The LA Times.

 

However, with great fame comes great responsibility.

 

In a grim reminder of the double-edged sword that is cinematic tourism, a 2023 Chinese action flick staged in Thailand ostensibly quelled Chinese visitors. A controversial Apple ad filmed in Thailand faced backlash for painting the nation as outdated, prompting an apology and its removal from social media.

 

And who could forget the notorious aftermath of The Beach, where 8,000 daily pilgrims invaded Koh Phi Phi’s idyllic beauty post-Leonardo DiCaprio’s cinematic splash? The influx devastated marine life and coral reefs, prompting the government to shutter Maya Bay temporarily for rehabilitation, said Udom Matsayawanigul, director of the Thailand Film Office.

 

“The Beach was a lesson for Thailand. The National Parks Department has been vigilant ever since.”

 

The White Lotus isn’t alone in whipping up travel fervour. Emily in Paris sent waves of tourists to France, Bridgerton rekindled Britain’s regal charm, and Squid Game gave South Korea a tantalising spotlight. Yet, nothing quite as potent as the allure of Mike White’s creation.

 

American bookings for Hawaii rocketed 25% after the inaugural season’s Maui backdrop. Season two saw Sicily flooded with travellers, its Taormina setting proving irresistible as restrictions from the pandemic waned, said Misty Belles of luxury travel network Virtuoso.

“The location almost becomes a character in and of itself.”

 

Thailand’s already watching bookings surge as anticipation for season 3 builds, with scenes also gracing Bangkok and Phuket.

 

The Four Seasons on Koh Samui, housing some 70,000 locals, relishes a boom, courtesy of the reopened tourism gates, said manager Assi.

“Next year, we expect an even more tremendous surge.”

 

Excitement swells even for Thai tourists, buoyed by Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal’s star turn. Manobal, of K-pop titan BLACKPINK fame, promises to draw domestic intrigue too.

 

Even beyond the plush confines of the resort’s infinity pools, preparations abound for an impending tourism tidal wave. Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, president of Koh Samui’s tourism association, revealed plans to ramp up the island’s infrastructure, including increasing daily flights and airport expansions to match the tourism boom.

 

Local restaurateur duo Kanokkorn Lamlert and Patrick Moukarzel felt the strain last year as tourists flocked back. Seafood shortages and price hikes have made business increasingly challenging, yet they predict a nationwide financial windfall from the Koh Samui boom.

 

“They’ll come for Samui but discover so much more,” Moukarzel commented, hinting at broader Thai tourism benefits.

 

Their restaurant, already a hot spot for superfans, plans a star-studded marketing campaign for next season, featuring the White Lotus Beef Ribs – a scrumptious concoction of lotus root, stir-fried mushrooms, and delectably slow-cooked beef.

 

Brace yourselves, the White Lotus mania is about to sweep Thailand – the Land of Smiles is ready to show its pearly whites to the rest of the world.

 

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-12-06

 

 

Great boost for Samui, very good series.

 

I was last in Koh Samui in 1989, I guess it has changed.

1 hour ago, Thailand said:

Great boost for Samui, very good series.

 

I was last in Koh Samui in 1989, I guess it has changed.

It has changed - LOTS.

Stay away from the tourist areas (Chaweng, Lamai, Fisherman's etc) and it is still a beautiful island.

I would say I am like a lot of AN members ...............What is the White Lotus, if it is a Thai soap, not many people outside LOS will watch it, cannot see it helping Thai tourism.

My sister in the UK watched a Thai series on Netflix she said it was ok, but not again.

I see an opportunity here. The hub of big yawns.

55 minutes ago, kickstart said:

I would say I am like a lot of AN members ...............What is the White Lotus, if it is a Thai soap, not many people outside LOS will watch it, cannot see it helping Thai tourism.

My sister in the UK watched a Thai series on Netflix she said it was ok, but not again.

Very funny comedy, zero relationship to a Thai soap opera. First season was better than the second, in my opinion. A third series set in Thailand will attract a huge audience, great for business owners in Koh Samui, maybe not so good for expats living there.

2 thumbs up for White Lotus. Some great actors (S01: Jennifer Coolidge, Alexandra Daddario, Sydney Sweeney, Steve Zahn, Molly Shannon S02: Aubrey Plaza!, F. Murray Abraham!, Michael Imperioli S03: Parker Posey, Lisa of Blackpink, Walton Goggins!), good comedy, beautiful location settings (Hawaii S01, Italy S02, and Koh Samui S03. 

4 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Set in the fictional haven of the White Lotus resort, this murder-mystery drama has won critical acclaim for its razor-sharp satire of affluent tourists and the locals who serve them.

 

Is this allowed?  Wasn't there an advert banned for making light of tourism in Thailand?

 

4 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

But its appeal stretches beyond the screen, sparking what’s now nicknamed the White Lotus Effect – an insatiable desire among fans to visit filming locations.

 

Why would you name something that has been going on for decades after a recent series?

2 hours ago, BangkokReady said:

 

Is this allowed?  Wasn't there an advert banned for making light of tourism in Thailand?

 

 

Why would you name something that has been going on for decades after a recent series?

Cuz The Force is strong in this one!  🙂

7 hours ago, Thailand said:

Great boost for Samui, very good series.

 

I was last in Koh Samui in 1989, I guess it has changed.

 

samui in the early 90s, pretty much a paradise. went back 2015, big mistake, the place has been completely ruined. i guess many people think it's a great place, but if you don't know, you don't know. i'll never return.

44 minutes ago, it is what it is said:

 

samui in the early 90s, pretty much a paradise. went back 2015, big mistake, the place has been completely ruined. i guess many people think it's a great place, but if you don't know, you don't know. i'll never return.

 

   People on Samui in the early 90's were saying the same thing , "It used to be better years ago, its now ruined"

The OP is so cringeworthy, with every cliche about Thai tourism incorporated.

✅Koh Samui removed from future holiday destinations. 

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

As legions of White Lotus fans eagerly await the much-anticipated third series of the smash hit HBO drama, a gripping warning emerges from the exotic shores of Thailand.

STD's, monkey pox, poisoned drinks, taxi mafia, pedestrian crossings, dual pricing, air quality [or lack of] marine trips

the list is endless

29 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

STD's, monkey pox, poisoned drinks, taxi mafia, pedestrian crossings, dual pricing, air quality [or lack of] marine trips

the list is endless

But nice Temples 🤔🙏

Never heard of it. 

7 minutes ago, Skeptic7 said:

Never heard of it. 

A lot of them in every corners, not white but clean..

43 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

STD's, monkey pox, poisoned drinks, taxi mafia, pedestrian crossings, dual pricing, air quality [or lack of] marine trips

the list is endless

Motorbike accidents is my first thought whenever Samui is mentioned. There always seems to be a desperately ill banged up farang  from a Koh Samui motorbike accident, in the news

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

for painting the nation as outdated, 

Truth !!!👍

12 hours ago, Thailand said:

Great boost for Samui, very good series.

 

I was last in Koh Samui in 1989, I guess it has changed.

Yeah i was there mid 90's, i think all the changes are for the worse from what i hear.

I nearly vimited. Good grief.. the exaggerated description of Samui is nauseating 555. Waaaaaay overrated. 

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the stunning island, mesmerised by the heavenly allure, Nestled amidst lush mountains and overlooking a shimmering ocean

This tantalizing text tidbit triggers hormone tantrums twixt thalamus and thyroid:

a storm of endorphins, adrenalin with the odd growth hormone racing down my veins, pulling me hither and yon, leaving me exhausted, but fulfilled, and proving again that AI is mightier than the sword...

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

As legions of White Lotus fans eagerly await the much-anticipated third series of the smash hit HBO drama, a gripping warning emerges from the exotic shores of Thailand.

So what is the gripping warning ??

 

I tried to read the entire thing but struggled through the tosh of an article !

I think thailand has enough tourists now,35,000,000 this year approx ?

Do they need to ram any more in?

Sustainable tourism is the way ahead ?

10 hours ago, CygnusX1 said:

Very funny comedy, zero relationship to a Thai soap opera. First season was better than the second, in my opinion. A third series set in Thailand will attract a huge audience, great for business owners in Koh Samui, maybe not so good for expats living there.

Are you a bot? they usually exaggerate reviews. I liked the first two series and will watch the third but "very funny comedy" definitely not

6 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   People on Samui in the early 90's were saying the same thing , "It used to be better years ago, its now ruined"

Is a big difference between that and what really is going on there today, same for phangan, the road isn't gonna get wider so it will soon become one big sht hole without water and with traffic jams + even more toxic mist from the burning of garbage which slowly kills 1/3rd of the population.

 

For this and owning a small house, you have to shell out 7-10M baht on top lol. Cheaper to buy a boat.

Certainly one of the best and most successful series in recent years.  Great acting and fabulous, over-the-top plots.  I preferred Season 1, but 2 had its moments.  Can't wait for the new one.

14 minutes ago, supersomchai said:

I think thailand has enough tourists now,35,000,000

35 million? That's half the population of Thailand 5555

 

2.4 million 

3 minutes ago, 1happykamper said:

35 million? That's half the population of Thailand 5555

 

2.4 million 

 

The numbers in your chart are for monthly arrivals, not yearly. There will indeed be around 35 million foreign tourist arrivals (as counted by TAT...) in 2024.

29 minutes ago, supersomchai said:

I think thailand has enough tourists now,35,000,000 this year approx ?

Do they need to ram any more in?

Sustainable tourism is the way ahead ?

Don't worry . I'm sure the next pandemic will knock the numbers down to 2020-2021 levels.