HBO’s hit series The White Lotus is set to film its third season in Thailand, sparking excitement across the tourism industry. This acclaimed drama, known for its luxurious backdrops and biting satire, has chosen the stunning island of Koh Samui as its primary location.
The show’s creator, Mike White, fell in love with the Four Seasons Koh Samui resort, with its lush greenery, overlooking Thailand’s waters. The luxury accommodation features private infinity pools, water activities, and spacious villas that can cost USD 9,000 a night.
The White Lotus, a murder mystery, is the name of the fictitious luxury resort in the show. It revolves around the interactions of rich tourists and the locals serving them during their stay.
The White Lotus: Showcasing Thailand’s beauty
Season 3 of The White Lotus promises to showcase Thailand’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. Filming has centered around the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, a property renowned for its pristine beaches and hospitality. Additionally, the show shot scenes in Phuket and Bangkok.
By highlighting both tranquil resorts and bustling city life, the series aims to capture Thailand’s charm. This cinematic exposure will undoubtedly inspire viewers worldwide to book their tickets.
The White Lotus Effect in action
The so-called ”White Lotus effect” has proven powerful in past seasons. Following the Season 1 premiere, Americans increased their bookings in Hawaii by 25 percent. Similarly, Sicily’s tourism sector enjoyed triple the influx of visitors, with bookings skyrocketing after Season 2 aired.
Following the massive tourism booms in Hawaii and Sicily after the show’s first two seasons, Thailand anticipates a similar windfall. Not only does The White Lotus draw millions of viewers, but it also turns its featured locales into global travel hotspots.
Thailand hopes to replicate this success. Koh Samui, in particular, benefits as eager fans flock to experience the show’s iconic settings firsthand.
Government support
Thailand’s government has actively supported the production, offering incentives to attract major international film projects like The White Lotus. Specifically, the plan is to increase cash rebates for foreign filmmakers.
Lawmakers have yet to approve the plan, which will increase the rebates from 20 to 30 percent, with no upper limit on the cashback. Authorities predict this collaboration will significantly boost the nation’s visibility as a top-tier travel destination.
The Thai government has been offering this rebate program since 2017. The Thailand Film Office projects to earn USD 2.80 for every dollar that comes from foreign film investment. Authorities hope to receive 40 million tourists in 2025.
Prepping for visitors
Meanwhile, local authorities in Koh Samui are preparing for the anticipated influx of visitors prior to the airing of The White Lotus. Efforts are underway to enhance infrastructure, ensuring that water supply, waste management, and transportation systems can meet the increased demand. A Visa study revealed that foreign tourists spent the most on premier accommodation.
“Not everybody knows Koh Samui as a destination,” says Jasjit Singh Assi, Four Seasons Koh Samui resort manager.
“The resort is now going to be on the global stage, and there’s an excitement to that. We want people to come.”
Photo by big.tiny.belly on Unsplash
