December 12th 2024.
Stephanie Yang, a journalist from the Los Angeles Times, shares the story of Mike White, the creator of the popular HBO series "The White Lotus," and his journey to find the perfect location for the show's third season. After searching through various places, White found himself in Koh Samui, Thailand, standing in the open-air lobby of the luxurious Four Seasons Resort. The stunning view of the mountains and ocean, along with the $9,000-a-night villas, immediately captured his heart.
The general manager of the hotel, Jasjit Singh Assi, was ready to pitch the resort to White, but he didn't need much convincing. After a moment of silence, White declared that he had found the perfect place for the fictional resort in the show. Little did anyone know, this decision would have a massive impact on the entire country of Thailand.
Nearly two years later, as the new season is set to be released, Thailand is preparing for a surge in tourism. The satirical portrayal of wealthy tourists and the locals who cater to them has garnered the show critical acclaim, and fans are eager to visit the real-life locations. This phenomenon has been dubbed the "White Lotus Effect" and is expected to bring thousands of tourists to Thailand.
Thailand, with its broader ambitions to attract more Western film productions and tourists, sees this as an opportunity to promote their country. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra even met with Hollywood executives in Los Angeles to announce a plan to increase cash rebates for foreign filmmakers. This plan, which awaits approval, would make Thailand highly competitive with other countries in terms of incentives for filming.
Other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and Britain, have also been providing incentives to attract foreign productions. Even developing nations like Indonesia, Jordan, and Morocco are getting in on the game by offering grants, tax rebates, and cash back. With Hollywood facing rising production costs and other challenges, Thailand's rebate program is a significant advantage.
However, there are risks involved, as seen with the impact of the 2000 film "The Beach" on tourism in Thailand. The government has learned from this experience and is taking steps to prevent it from happening again. With the upcoming release of "The White Lotus," the excitement is building, and tourists are already starting to book their trips to Thailand.
Misty Belles, the vice president of global PR at Virtuoso, believes that "The White Lotus" will have a bigger impact on tourism than any other show. The filming locations almost become a character in themselves, and fans are eager to visit these places. Thailand has already seen an increase in bookings, and the show's popularity is expected to bring even more tourists.
The impact of the show is not only limited to foreign tourists but also domestic tourists. With the casting of Lalisa "Lisa" Manobal, a member of the popular K-pop group Blackpink, excitement is growing among Thai locals as well. The owners of a local restaurant have already experienced a surge in business after the cast and crew dined there.
As the premiere of the new season approaches, the restaurant owners are planning a marketing campaign, including a new dish inspired by the show. They believe that the tourism boom in Koh Samui will also benefit other parts of Thailand, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The economic impact of this boom will be felt across the nation, and it's an exciting time for everyone involved.
In conclusion, the success of "The White Lotus" is not just limited to its entertaining storyline and talented cast. It has also brought newfound attention to the beautiful country of Thailand and its thriving tourism industry. As the show continues to gain popularity, it's safe to say that the "White Lotus Effect" will continue to have a lasting impact on Thailand for years to come.
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