MUMBAI: In its bid to pep up the number of Indian filmmakers shooting their films in Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is making fresh initiatives. As films are the most effective medium to attract tourism, the TAT is looking at tapping the Indian film industry in a big way.

Said Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Suraphon Svetasreni, “Over the years, the number of Indian films shot in our country have been increasing. Indians prefer shooting at locations like Bangkok and Pattaya. Now these are the times that we introduce them and educate the filmmakers on new avenues that would be best captured in films.” He was hinting at places like Rayong, Phuket, Koh Chang and Krabi.

In this connection, people at TAT plan to showcase new destinations to filmmakers. Incidentally, TAT has been inviting filmmakers of big-budget films like Race 2 and Housefull 2 on one hand while on the other, it has been tapping small budget and regional filmmakers. Out of 100 films shot in Thailand last year, over 44 were Telugu films.

According to TAT marketing and public relations officer Sonalee Vaz, Thailand is a value for money destination and, hence, doesn’t look at giving investment perks.