On 12 November 2024, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, joined H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand in a networking reception with Mr. Charles H. Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of Motion Picture Association (MPA) and its member companies, comprising 7 major film producers, namely, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Paramount Pictures Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, and Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, in Los Angeles, the Unites States of America.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of creative industry as a key sector in promoting Thailand’s soft power and looked forward to strengthening cooperation with the United States as a key player in global film industries, including seeking collaboration to enhance skills in screen writing and film production. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s policy continuity in promoting filming and creative industries as well as invited the MPA’s members to increase investment and film production, utilizing Thailand as a filming location.  On this occasion, the Prime Minister announced a new cash rebate incentive, set to be approved by the Cabinet, for foreign film production by offering up to 30 percent cash payback with no upper limit on funds. This new attractive measure was well-received by all the MPA’s members, who looked to potentially increase collaborations with Thailand. The Prime Minister also highlighted the Government’s efforts in streamlining the registration and licensing process, emphasizing the commitment to attracting more international filmmakers to Thailand and advancing the film industry, powerful to tourism visibility.