BANGKOK, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Thailand expects to earn a lot from foreign film industry using locations in the Southeast Asian country.
An estimated 270 million U.S. dollars are expected from foreign film shootings on location in Thailand in the next few years, compared to 87 million U.S. dollars earned throughout last year, Director General of the Department of Tourism Wannasiri Morakul said on Tuesday.
Thailand already made 27 million U.S. dollars in earnings from foreign film industry during the first half of this year, she said, adding that Thailand was chosen as location for most shootings of foreign films in Asia last year.
A total of 412 foreign films were shot on location in Thailand during this year's first half, according to the department head.
A Chinese comedy movie "Lost in Thailand" was shot in Chiang Mai province in 2012 and earned some 200 million U.S. dollars in China.
Chiang Mai is one of Thailand's major tourist destinations besides Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui island, Krabi and Bangkok.
The Thai government has looked to encourage foreign film shootings on location in this country, especially those designed to promote the Thai tourism.
