As a production company in Thailand, we’ve worked on music video shoots for many years, and it’s easy to see why Thailand is such a popular destination. Several well-known international artists have shot music videos here over the years, including Rihanna, Snoop Dogg, The Libertines, Duke Dumont, Rudimental, and Spiller (featuring Sophie Ellis-Bextor), among many others.
This article is intended for anyone planning to shoot a music video in Thailand, with the aim of preventing productions from running into problems. The reality is that when you’re shooting a music video in Thailand, you still need to prepare just as thoroughly as you would for any other shoot. Permits take time. Weather affects schedules more than most teams expect. Crew structure and logistics also work a little differently here.
We put this guide together to explain how music video production actually works on the ground in Thailand, and what to plan for before you arrive. When these things are handled early, shoots tend to run much more smoothly once you’re here.
Permits and paperwork
All foreign productions filming in Thailand must obtain a filming permit from the Thailand Film Office. This applies to every music video shoot, regardless of crew size, budget, or shoot duration.
Permit timelines are requirements, not estimates. You should treat them as fixed constraints. In most cases, applications should be submitted at least 10 to 14 working days before the first shoot day. This is a realistic timeline for straightforward shoots; however, if your project involves drones, multiple provinces, or sensitive locations such as temples, authorities may require additional review time, so you should prepare to adjust your schedules accordingly.
A registered local coordinator, also known as a film fixer, is mandatory for foreign companies planning to film in Thailand. The Thai authorities do not accept permit applications directly from foreign companies. The local coordinator submits the application, communicates with government offices, and ensures the production stays within the approved scope during the shoot. Ignoring this process can result in delays, fines, or a suspension of filming.
Visas and Crew Entry Rules
Foreign crew members working on short shoots, typically under 15 consecutive days, can usually enter Thailand on a tourist visa or visa-exempt entry. Once the filming permit is approved, your local coordinator will arrange the required temporary work permit for the duration of the project.
For longer shoots, a Non-Immigrant B visa and a work permit are required. This needs to be planned well in advance. Visa issues are not just administrative. If requirements are not met, authorities can stop a shoot even after the crew has already entered the country.
Crew and Communication On Set
Working with a bilingual local crew is essential in Thailand. English-speaking assistant directors, production managers, and coordinators help keep the shoot running smoothly, especially before the director or DP arrives on set.
Clear communication is especially important when working with drivers, location owners, police, and government officers. Good communication prevents confusion, and confusion slows everything down.
A bilingual first assistant director makes a noticeable difference. When instructions are clearly understood by everyone, setups move faster and delays are reduced.
Location Scouting
Location scouting in Thailand means looking beyond how a place looks on camera. It’s about understanding how the space actually works.
Thailand looks great on screen, but in hot and humid conditions, practical considerations often matter more than visuals.
When scouting locations, we always check:
- Vehicle access and parking for grip, lighting, and production trucks
- Distance from basecamp to set, as long walks in heat slow everyone down
- Power availability, load limits, and generator placement
- Natural shade for crew, talent, and equipment
- Access to bathrooms or space for temporary facilities
Heat and humidity affect both people and equipment. Long periods in direct sun increase fatigue and slow setups. Cameras and drones can overheat quickly. At beaches and coastal locations, salt air, sand, and wind add extra risks. Protective covers, shaded holding areas, and regular lens checks are essential.
Power is another common challenge. Many locations are far from reliable electricity sources, and some venues have limited capacity. Battery planning, backup power, and access to fuse boxes should always be confirmed in advance.
Tip: Rooftops and beaches look great on camera, but they often come with restrictions. These can include limited access hours, noise rules, environmental regulations, tide conditions, and strict load-in and wrap times. Confirm these details early. Doing so saves time on shoot day and helps protect both crew and equipment.
Weather and Scheduling
Cool season (November to February)
Hot season (March to May)
Rainy season (June to October)
Drone Filming in Thailand
Any drone with a camera must be registered in Thailand, even for short stays and regardless of whether the flight is recreational or commercial.
Professional drone filming requires:
- A licensed drone pilot
- Registration with NBTC and CAAT
- Flight approval, especially in cities or near landmarks
- Written permission from land or building owners
NBTC registration covers radio frequency use. CAAT approval covers airspace safety. Both are mandatory. Flying without approval can result in fines, confiscation of equipment, or legal action. Enforcement is stricter in cities and tourist areas.
Unapproved flights are also a safety risk. A crash, complaint, or inspection can shut down a shoot and complicate insurance claims. Delays become expensive very quickly.
Tip: Decide early which drone shots are essential to the story. Drone approvals can take time, so build this into the schedule from the start.
For more details, we’ve written a guide that breaks down the regulations and best practices for drone filming in Thailand.
Wardrobe and Makeup in Tropical Conditions
Heat and humidity create challenges for wardrobe and makeup that are often underestimated. Fabrics behave differently, makeup breaks down faster, and continuity is harder to maintain.
Here are some best practises for planning wardrobe:
- Avoid heavy or synthetic fabrics
- Use breathable materials like linen and cotton
- Schedule wardrobe changes around the hottest hours
- Expect frequent makeup touch-ups
- Bring duplicate outfits for continuity
Dark fabrics show sweat quickly under lights. Lighter colours perform better and reflect light more evenly on camera. Oil control is critical for makeup. Waterproof eye makeup, blotting papers, and long-wear base products help maintain a consistent look throughout the day.
Cultural Awareness On Set
Many artists shooting in Thailand prefer active public spaces (streets, markets, beaches etc.) as opposed to closed studio sets. With this in mind, cultural awareness definitely goes a long way in determining how smoothly a shoot runs.
Our advice for filming near temples, shrines, or residential areas:
- Dress modestly when required
- Keep walkways and entrances clear
- Be mindful of ceremonies and daily routines
- Control noise levels
Some locations require additional permits, including national parks, heritage sites, night shoots, and aerial filming. Working with a Thai production company like Scarlet Production helps ensure all requirements are handled correctly from the start and reduces last-minute issues. Respectful behaviour usually leads to better cooperation from locals and authorities. Clear planning and realistic scheduling make a real difference on set.
Tip: A calm and respectful approach goes a long way in Thailand. Crews who work thoughtfully tend to get smoother shoots and better results.
Post-production planning
Most music videos require multiple delivery formats, including social media cuts.
These formats should be planned during pre-production, not treated as an afterthought.
Tip: Choose sets and framing with cropping in mind. This saves time and avoids unnecessary revisions during post-production.
Looking for a Production Company in Thailand for Your Next Project?
We’re a Thailand-based production company with over 10 years of experience managing international shoots, including music videos. Our team of experts can handle the creative process as well as the local realities, from permits and location access to crew structure, weather, and realistic schedules. This experience helps us spot potential issues early and keep productions running smoothly.
If you’re looking for a music video production team, director, or a fixer in Thailand who knows how to manage international shoots properly, get in touch with our team.