Do you need a permit to film or photograph in Thailand?

Film commissions

Thailand Film Office

Every foreign production needs a Thailand Film Office permit, applied for through a local coordinator registered with the office (Department of Tourism).

Sources: Thailand Film Office: film permit · Thailand Film Office: FAQ

Rules

Foreign crews need a film permit and work permits, plus a Non-Immigrant "M" (media/film) visa, managed through the Thai Film Office.

Sources: ProductionHUB: legalities of shooting abroad

More for Thailand: Getting paid · Drone rules

Filming & photo permits in other countries: United States · United Kingdom · France · Germany · United Arab Emirates · Saudi Arabia · Nigeria · Ghana · Kenya · South Africa · Jamaica · Japan · South Korea · India · China · Malaysia · Portugal · Estonia · Canada · Australia

Last verified October 6, 2026 by Terrell Groggins. Rules change: check the official source before you shoot or post. This is not legal advice.