THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) continues to promote the country as Asia's leading shooting location as well as maintaining the momentum of filmmaking activities by inviting 23 foreign film industry leaders to visit Thailand.

Film directors from Malaysia, China, Russia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Sweden, Vietnam and the United States had the opportunity to explore potential filming locations and facilities in the country's central and northern regions during a familiarisation trip from March 27 to April 3, 2011.

The film directors also visited support infrastructure including lab facilities, recording studios and other service providers. The highlight of their trip was a meeting with leading Thai film directors.

"While we reach millions of potential visitors through our regular marketing campaigns, films are a great way to highlight Thailand's natural beauty and attractions..." said TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni.

Among the hundreds of crews that filmed in the country last year, Thailand welcomed teams for Hollywood productions of Mission Impossible and The Scorpion King 3 . In addition,to its natural attractions and varied landscapes, Thai-land has the advantage of a solid infrastructure for both pre- and post-production including skilled people for audio visual effects, advanced equipment and qualified workers, as well as tremendous value for money.

The Thai government has increased its support for the film sector by waiving fees for shooting permits on government-owned properties including national parks supervised by the Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department; along with properties under the Royal Forestry Department, Royal Irrigation Department, Fine Arts Department, Treasury Department, State Railway of Thailand and Suvarnabhumi International Airport. This fee waiver will remain in effect until the end of December 2011, except for national parks, for which the fee waiver policy will expire on 1 December, 2011.