Phuket Eyes Film Stardom as Chinese Officials Visit

Picture courtesy of The Phuket News

A senior Chinese film delegation from Hainan Province, led by Chen Jiyang, explored the scenic island of Phuket on Wednesday, 20 August, eyeing its potential as a premier international filming location. Their mission: forge deeper cultural ties and promote Thailand-China film collaborations.

Chen Jiyang, Deputy Minister of Public Relations and Secretary-General of the Hainan International Film Festival Organising Committee, spearheaded the visit, focusing on possibilities within film, television, and animation industries between Thailand and China’s Hainan Province. This initiative seeks to leverage the island's diverse landscape for international productions.

Hosted by Trithep Thaikuruphan of CU Nited Extension Co Ltd, the delegation visited iconic sites such as Baan Chinpracha and Phuket Old Town. Their tour included a breathtaking boat ride courtesy of Phuket Marine Group, offering a first-hand view of the island’s cinematic allure.

The four-day visit, from 18 to 21 August, saw Hainan officials engage with key Thai stakeholders, including the Ministry of Culture, MCOT, and Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Communication Arts. These meetings aimed to bolster the film and entertainment ties between the two regions, already united by a sister-city relationship.

"We see Phuket as similar to Hainan, offering a rich tapestry of locations and facilities suited for international productions," remarked one of the delegates.

The visit's timing is significant, preceding the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) in December, hosted in Sanya. This event, among China's top film festivals, features a Thai production as part of its celebration of 50 years of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations. Co-organised by China Media Group and the Hainan Provincial Government, the festival strengthens cultural exchange and opens new avenues for collaboration.

Simultaneously, Thailand is actively pursuing film tourism. The Ministry of Culture recently pledged an 845-million-baht budget to allure foreign film projects. Additionally, the country is riding the wave of attention from the blockbuster Jurassic World: Rebirth, which showcases locations like Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi.

Both Phuket and Hainan are heavily investing in the tourism and entertainment sectors to recover from the pandemic. This collaboration offers mutual benefits, tapping into shared resources and tourism potential.

By attracting China’s burgeoning film industry, Phuket stands on the brink of becoming a film destination of international renown. The Chinese delegation's interest aligns perfectly with Thailand's prerogatives, heralding a bright era for cinematic and cultural synergy between the two nations.

With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and growing infrastructure, Phuket is poised to attract marquee film projects. Support from Chinese film authorities could catapult the island into a Hollywood-level location, further enhancing its global profile.

In an increasingly interconnected world, such collaborations not only offer economic benefits but also strengthen cultural understanding and exchange. As both countries continue to explore these opportunities, Phuket might very well find itself on the silver screen, captivating audiences worldwide.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-22