Film 'Fall 2: Deadpoint' Proves Indonesia is Falling Behind Thailand

Two climbers in ‘Fall 2: Deadpoint’ tread upon a narrow ledge attached to a cliff wall. Below them lies an abyss. This scene was filmed at an abandoned mine in Thailand, approximately two and a half hours from Bangkok.

The production team did not merely arrive and start filming. After ensuring the rock wall was safe, they installed footholds for the climbing scenes. The cliff sections and bridges required for the story were also constructed on-site. The abandoned mine was transformed into Mount Kwan, a fictional location for the film’s protagonists.

While the mountain may be fictional, the surrounding rocks and scenery are real. Production designer Jacinta Leong remarked that Thailand’s landscapes deserve to be showcased on the big screen.

The ‘Fall 2’ crew is just one of many foreign teams filming in Thailand. Films, series, advertisements, and television shows from various countries continue to film there.

Thailand Flooded with Foreign Productions

How often do foreign crews visit Thailand? Records from the Thailand Film Office show that foreign productions rose from 346 projects in 2022 to 544 projects in 2025.

Between January and August 2026, there were already 383 foreign productions with a total filming budget of 6.52 billion baht, or approximately Rp3.49 trillion (assuming an exchange rate of Rp536/1 baht). This value exceeds the filming budget recorded throughout 2025, even though there are four months remaining in the year. This figure covers various types of production, ranging from cinema films to series, documentaries, and advertisements. This filming budget does not represent government tax revenue.

The growth is evident when comparing the same period. According to the Thai Government, there were 302 foreign productions filming between January and June 2026, with a value of over 4.025 billion baht, or approximately Rp2.16 trillion. In January-June 2025, there were 279 productions with a value of 2.866 billion baht, or approximately Rp1.54 trillion. Within a year, the number of projects increased by about 8%, while the value grew by approximately 40%.

Where does that money flow? From the first day of filming, crews require accommodation and food. Vehicles are rented, equipment is transported, and sets are built if available locations do not meet the story’s needs. All of this creates jobs for crews and local businesses, even before the film is completed.

The third season of the series ‘The White Lotus’ provides an illustration of this scale. Filming took place in locations including Koh Samui, Bangkok, and Phuket. An official from the Thailand Department of International Trade Promotion stated that the production of that series spent US$36.5 million in Thailand and involved approximately 1,000 local crew members.

After airing, locations appearing on screen can also attract potential tourists. However, it is difficult to confirm exactly how many people visit solely because they watched a film or series. The expenditure during filming and the jobs created for local crews are far easier to observe.

Why Do Producers Choose Thailand?

Scenery can certainly put Thailand on the shortlist for locations. However, producers must also ensure that crews are available, equipment can be brought in, costs are manageable, and filming stays on schedule.

Thailand offers support for these needs, including a production cost rebate of up to 30% for eligible foreign projects.

‘The White Lotus’ producer, David Bernard, described how such decisions are made. His team considered weather, tax incentives, and ease of production before choosing a location in the region. “When we filter countries based on weather, tax incentives, and ease of filmmaking, the choice in this region was simply Thailand,” he was quoted as saying by People.

This experience demonstrates why Thailand continues to attract foreign productions. Its nature is attractive for filming, while the crews, facilities, and production support help transform filming plans into actionable work.

Indonesia Must Learn Much from Thailand

Indonesia is not an unfamiliar place for foreign filmmakers. Bali, for instance, was a filming location for ‘Eat Pray Love’, a film starring Julia Roberts released in 2010. The production team worked in Bali to present the protagonist’s journey on the island.

However, there is a notable trend: a film set in Indonesia is not necessarily made in Indonesia. The film ‘Ticket to Paradise’ is one such example. The film, also starring Julia Roberts alongside George Clooney, tells a story set in Bali. However, the filming was conducted in Queensland, Australia. The locations and sets there were created to resemble Bali.

Audiences still see a story about Bali. What does not come to Bali is the production expenditure—from the crew’s needs for hotels, vehicles, food, and various other services.

Thailand has demonstrated that beautiful locations need to be supported by experienced crews, easily accessible equipment, and a clear production process, as a good ecosystem has been established for foreign producers to film in the country. All of this helps producers calculate costs and organise schedules before deciding on a filming location.

Indonesia needs to rectify the same issues, particularly regarding licensing. Foreign producers must be able to identify which permits are required, how long the process takes, and how to bring equipment in and out of the country. If these matters are easier and more certain, the opportunity for Indonesia to be chosen as a filming location will increase significantly.

The benefits do not stop at films showcasing Indonesia’s beauty. During production, local crews gain employment, while accommodation, transport, and food businesses gain customers. After airing, locations appearing on screen also have the potential to attract tourists. Indonesia has much to offer. Now, the government needs to ensure that producers can arrive and work.