The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that Thailand will serve as the prominent set of HBO’s Emmy-winning anthology series, The White Lotus, season 3.
Filming for the acclaimed series is scheduled to begin in February in Bangkok, Phuket, and Ko Samui.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said her team was honoured to have Thailand featured as the filming location for the upcoming season of The White Lotus.
“The kingdom’s exotic natural beauty, rich historical sites and diverse landscapes are the perfect settings to share our fascinating culture, fantastic cuisine, top-notch wellness and luxury offerings, and most importantly our people and Thai hospitality. Thailand has long been considered one of the world’s favourited filming locations,” Kiatphaibool said.
TAT has partnered with HBO for the filming and promotion of The White Lotus season 3 in Thailand, starring Leslie Bibb, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, and Natasha Rothwell, as well as two Thai actors, Dom Hetrakul and Tayme Thapthimthong.
“We are pleased to partner with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to execute Mike’s creative vision and showcase all that the beautiful country of Thailand has to offer, as the next group of guests check in to the White Lotus,” Janet Graham Borba, EVP of production for HBO & Max, said in a statement.
The roaring success of The White Lotus’ second season saw its filming location, San Domenico Palace in Sicily, become a hot tourist spot alongside the whole Italian island.
San Domenico Palace – the setting of White Lotus Season 2
According to iStock’s visual GPS insights program, which analyses real time visual trends and popular images, Sicily has been a top content search with a massive 350 per cent increase in November, around the time season two of the show was airing.
Dubbed ‘The White Lotus effect,’ the show has also increased the broader idea of an island getaway with destinations like Sardinia and Greek islands trending higher than usual for Australian businesses during this period.
Created by Mike White, who also serves as executive producer and director, with David Bernad and Mark Kamine also executive produce, “The White Lotus” was debuted in 2021, set in Hawaii. Season one received 20 Emmy nominations and earned 10, including best limited or anthology series while the second season premiered in December 2022 and is nominated for 23 Emmy including best drama series.
The White Lotus Season 3 is slated to premier on HBO in 2025.
(Featured Image: Silver Beach on Koh Samui island at sunset, Thailand – iStock/tawatchaiprakobkit)
