Best Hollywood Movies Filmed in Thailand Streaming in 2022

There are some environments that just cannot be replicated on a soundstage, even with all of Hollywood’s experience. The unique and beautiful cities and landscapes in Thailand are perfect examples.

Let’s take a look at some of the most notable films involving Thai locales — some that may even surprise you. We’ll also tell you where to watch them on streaming platforms right now.

Mortal Kombat (1995)

PG-13, Martial arts, Video game adaptation

Starring: Christopher Lambert, Robin Shou, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, and Linden Ashby.

Three martial artists from Earth are called to participate in an interdimensional tournament where the winner determines if Earth will become subsumed into the harsh supernatural realm of Outworld.

This is an adaptation of the story and characters from the original Mortal Kombat fighting game, with Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade as the chosen heroes and Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Reptile, Goro, and Shang Tsung representing the forces of Outworld.

Overall, this is an appreciable film with some nice martial arts sequences and an amazing techno soundtrack.

On location: This film makes use of Thailand by way of filming in Sukhothai historical park. Furthermore, both the opening and closing scenes of Mortal Kombat prominently feature Ayutthaya. Notably, Ayutthaya was also used as a filming location for the sequel film, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, in 1997.

This film is available for streaming on HBO Max.

Casualties of War (1989)

R, Military War Drama

Starring: Michael J. Fox, Sean Penn, Don Harvey, John C. Reilly, John Leguizamo, and Ving Rhames.

This is a film based on a book adapted from an article regarding the “Incident on Hill 192” of 1966 during the Vietnam War. This was Michael J Fox’s third dramatic film role and also happens to be the screen debuts for John C. Reilly and John Leguizamo.

Fox does an amazing job as the one American soldier who seems unwilling to sacrifice his morals for the sake of a good time.

On location: While most of this film was shot on location in Thailand, one notable filming location is a bridge in Kanchanaburi. Cinephiles watching this film may recognize that that particular bridge is the same bridge that was used throughout 1957’s Bridge on the River Kwai.

This film is showing on Hulu.

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)

R, Romantic Comedy

Starring: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant.

This is the sequel to 2001’s Bridget Jones’ Diary and it continues on from that tale by a mere four weeks.

Bridget has started to become uncomfortable with Mark due to his political leanings. She’s also contending with a new boss at her job, an odd contractor, and one of the worst vacations she has ever had in her life. Overall, this is a great film if you are in the mood for a “chick flick” that also features some locales you might never see otherwise.

On location: Parts of this film were shot in the cities of Bangkok and Phuket. One notable location featured during the parts shot in Bangkok is Soi Cowboy; more than one rumor was spread that actor Hugh Grant had been chased away by bargirls.

This film is available for streaming on HBO Max.

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)

PG-13, Fantasy, Action-Adventure

Starring: Kenny Baker, Hayden Christensen, Anthony Daniels, Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, Ian McDiarmid, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and Frank Oz.

This film is the conclusion of the “prequel” Star Wars films (Episodes I, II, and III) and gives fans the final bits of the timeline to convey the transition from the Jedi Knight known as Anakin Skywalker to the Sith Lord people have known as Darth Vader since the 1970s.

While George Lucas’ writing hampers the story and dialogue, actors like Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen manage to give it they’re all.

On location: You may be surprised to discover that some of Thailand managed to make an appearance in the film; parts of the Krabi province were used for footage of Kashyyyk, the Wookiee homeworld.

This film is available for streaming on Disney+.

Around the World in 80 Days (2004)

PG-13, Action Comedy

Starring: Jackie Chan, Steve Coogan, Cécile de France, Jim Broadbent, and Karen Mok.

This is a comedic adaptation of Jules Vernes’ titular novel from 1873 and the original film from 1956. Much like its forebears, this film concerns a bet about which of two men can circumnavigate the globe more quickly. As this is intended to be a comedy, a lot of diversions happen for the sake of a joke, often involving Jackie Chan’s amazing physical acting and stunt skills.

On location: While this sort of film is all about showing off parts of the world, the filmmakers used Krabi Province as a stand-in for a rural Chinese village.

This film is available for streaming on Disney+.

No Escape (2015)

R, Action, Drama

Starring: Pierce Brosnan and Owen Wilson.

This film covers the adventures of an American family vacationing in a nondescript Southeast Asian country (Thailand) after a coup occurs and they must flee their vacation spot in order to find a safe area. If you want an action romp with some interesting locations, No Escape is a pretty fine viewing experience.

On location: While the film was shot mostly within Thailand and even used Thai crew members, it does nothing but show respect to the country and avoids using any Thai signage or symbols like the Buddha. It also makes extensive use of the vistas of Chiang Mai throughout the entire film.

No Escape is freely available for streaming, with advertisements, on Tubi.

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

R, War, Drama, Adventure

Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Jean Reno, Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Mélanie Thierry, Paul Walter Hauser, Jasper Pääkkönen

This film covers a group of soldiers who served in the American Army during Vietnam (Thailand). These men encounter a pile of gold bars that were intended to be given to the Lahu people for aiding the US in fighting the Viet Cong but decide to hide it away until such time that they can take it for themselves.

When the surviving Bloods decide that now is the time to claim the gold, they head back with dollar signs on their minds. Because this is a Spike Lee film and also happens to be the last film role that Chadwick Boseman made before his untimely passing, anyone who watches this film is going to have a raw yet enjoyable viewing experience.

On location: With the exceptions of the United States and Vietnam, Da 5 Bloods was filmed in Thailand, specifically within the regions of Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

Da 5 Bloods is exclusively available for streaming on Netflix.

Summary of Movies Made in Thailand

So there you have it, seven solid examples of films that were at least partly shot in Thailand and available for streaming. While there are plenty of other great films that were shot in this country, this list could only mention ones you can find for streaming.

World

Russian Arms Dealer Viktor Bout Back in Business After Biden Prisoner Exchange

Viktor Bout, a notorious Russian arms dealer, arriving at court in Bangkok in 2010 - CTN Image

Viktor Bout, the infamous Russian arms dealer who was exchanged two years ago for Brittney Griner by President Biden, has reportedly returned to arms trading, as detailed in a report by the Wall Street Journal.

The Wall Street Journal has revealed that Vikto Bout, infamously dubbed the “merchant of death,” is seeking to facilitate the sale of small arms to the Houthis. A report indicates that Houthi representatives met with Bout in Moscow in August to discuss the acquisition of $10 million in automatic weapons.

Nonetheless, the anticipated arms deal remains unfulfilled, as indicated by the report.

Reports indicate that the weapons being discussed do not encompass larger systems such as anti-ship or anti-air missiles, which could represent a considerable risk to U.S. military operations in the area.

Requests for comment from the WSJ regarding Bout’s alleged involvement in the arms trade went unanswered by the Kremlin and Russia’s Ministry of Defense. Steve Zissou, an attorney who provided legal representation for Bout during his time in U.S. custody, refrained from commenting on the possibility of Bout’s meetings with the Houthis.

Viktor Bout, the notorious Russian arms dealer was exchanged for Brittney Griner – CNN Image

Viktor Bout released in 2022

Bout, who became affiliated with Russia’s Kremlin-loyal Liberal Democratic Party following his release in a prisoner swap in December 2022, has kept a low profile since his return.

Bout was taken into custody in Thailand in 2008 and subsequently extradited to the United States, where he faced conviction in 2012 on charges associated with arms trafficking, resulting in a 25-year prison sentence.

For almost twenty years, Bout stood out as one of the globe’s most notorious arms dealers, providing weaponry to unrecognized governments and insurgent factions throughout Africa, Asia, and South America. The activities he conducted served as the basis for the 2005 film Lord of War.

Even after his conviction and imprisonment, reports indicate that Bout’s network persisted in its operations, contributing to conflicts in some of the globe’s most perilous areas.

Former US Marine Paul Whelan Released From Russian Prison

Former US Marine Paul Whelan Released From Russian Prison

Business

PepsiCo Reduces Revenue Projections As North American Snacks And Key International Markets Underperform.

(VOR News) – In the third quarter of this year, Pepsi’s net income was $2.93 billion, which is equivalent to $2.13 per share. This was attributed to the company.

This is in stark contrast to net income of $3.09 billion, which is equivalent to $2.24 per share, during the same period in the previous year. The company’s earnings per share were $2.31 when expenses were excluded.

Net sales decreased by 0.6%, totaling $23.32 billion. Organic sales increased by 1.3% during the quarter when the effects of acquisitions, divestitures, and currency changes are excluded.

Pepsi’s beverage sales fell this quarter.

The most recent report indicates that the beverage and food sectors of the organization experienced a 2% decline in volume. Consumers of all income levels are demonstrating a change in their purchasing habits, as indicated by CEOs’ statements from the previous quarter.

Pepsi’s entire volume was adversely affected by the lackluster demand they encountered in North America. An increasing number of Americans are becoming more frugal, reducing the number of snacks they ingest, and reducing the number of times they purchase at convenience stores.

Furthermore, Laguarta observed that the increase in sales was partially attributed to the election that occurred in Mexico during the month of June.

The most significant decrease in volume was experienced by Quaker Foods North America, which was 13%. In December, the company announced its initial recall in response to a potential salmonella infection.

Due to the probability of an illness, the recall was extended in January. Pepsi officially closed a plant that was implicated in the recalls in June, despite the fact that manufacturing had already been halted.

Jamie Caulfield, the Chief Financial Officer of Pepsi and Laguarta, has indicated that the recalls are beginning to have a lessening effect.

Frito-Lay experienced a 1.5% decline in volume in North America. The company has been striving to improve the value it offers to consumers and the accessibility of its snack line, which includes SunChips, Cheetos, and Stacy’s pita chips, in the retail establishments where it is sold.

Despite the fact that the category as a whole has slowed down in comparison to the results of previous years, the level of activity within the division is progressively increasing.

Pepsi executives issued a statement in which they stated that “Salty and savory snacks have underperformed year-to-date after outperforming packaged food categories in previous years.”

Pepsi will spend more on Doritos and Tostitos in the fall and winter before football season.

The company is currently promoting incentive packets for Tostitos and Ruffles, which contain twenty percent more chips than the standard package.

Pepsi is expanding its product line in order to more effectively target individuals who are health-conscious. The business announced its intention to acquire Siete Foods for a total of $1.2 billion approximately one week ago. The restaurant serves Mexican-American cuisine, which is typically modified to meet the dietary needs of a diverse clientele.

The beverage segment of Pepsi in North America experienced a three percent decrease in volume. Despite the fact that the demand for energy drinks, such as Pepsi’s Rockstar, has decreased as a result of consumers visiting convenience stores, the sales of well-known brands such as Gatorade and Pepsi have seen an increase throughout the quarter.

Laguarta expressed his opinion to the analysts during the company’s conference call, asserting, “I am of the opinion that it is a component of the economic cycle that we are currently experiencing, and that it will reverse itself in the future, once consumers feel better.”

Additionally, it has been noted that the food and beverage markets of South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa have experienced a decline in sales volume. The company cut its forecast for organic revenue for the entire year on Tuesday due to the business’s second consecutive quarter of lower-than-anticipated sales.

The company’s performance during the quarter was adversely affected by the Quaker Foods North America recalls, the decrease in demand in the United States, and the interruptions that occurred in specific international markets, as per the statements made by Chief Executive Officer Ramon Laguarta.

Pepsi has revised its forecast for organic sales in 2024, shifting from a 4% growth rate to a low single-digit growth rate. The company reiterated its expectation that the core constant currency profitability per share will increase by a minimum of 8% in comparison to the previous year.

The company’s shares declined by less than one percent during premarket trading. The following discrepancies between the company’s report and the projections of Wall Street were identified by LSEG in a survey of analysts:

SOURCE: CNBC

Business

Old National Bank And Infosys Broaden Their Strategic Partnership.

(VOR News) – Old National Bank, a commercial bank with its headquarters in the Midwest, and Infosys, a firm that specializes in information technology, have recently entered into a strategic expansion of their link, which has been in place for the past four years.

This expansion is more likely to take place sooner rather than later, with the likelihood being higher.

For the purpose of making it possible for Old National Bank to make use of the services, solutions, and platforms that are offered by Infosys, the objective of this expansion is to make it possible for the bank to transform its operations and processes through the application of automation and GenAI, as well as to change significant business areas.

This lets the bank leverage Infosys’ services, solutions, and platforms.

Old National Bank Chairman and CEO Jim Ryan said, “At Old National, we are committed to creating exceptional experiences for both our customers and our fellow employees.”

This statement is applicable to Old National Bank. Infosys is carefully managing the business process innovations that it is putting us through, putting a strong emphasis on efficiency and value growth throughout the process to ensure that it is carried out efficiently.

This is a routine occurrence throughout the entire operation. Because of Infosys’ dedication to our development and success, we are incredibly appreciative of the assistance they have provided.

Old National has been receiving assistance from Infosys in the process of updating its digital environment since the year 2020, according to the aforementioned company.

Ever since that time, the company has been providing assistance. The provision of this assistance has been accomplished through the utilization of a model that is not only powerful but also capable of functioning on its own power.

Infosys currently ranks Old National thirty-first out of the top thirty US banks.

This ranking is based on the fact that Old National is the nation’s largest banking corporation.

It is estimated that the total value of the company’s assets is approximately fifty-three billion dollars, while the assets that are currently being managed by the organization are valued at thirty billion dollars.

Dennis Gada, the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Banking and Financial Services, stated that “Old National Bank and Infosys possess a robust cultural and strategic alignment in the development, management, and enhancement of enterprise-scale solutions to transform the bank’s operations and facilitate growth.”

This remark referenced the exceptional cultural and strategic synergy between the two organizations. Dennis Gada is the one who asserted this claim. This was articulated explicitly concerning the exceptional cultural congruence and strategy alignment of the two organizations.

We are pleased to announce that the implementation of Infosys Topaz will substantially expedite the transformation of Old National Bank’s business processes and customer service protocols. We are exceedingly enthusiastic about this matter. We are quite thrilled about this specific component of the scenario.

Medium-sized banks operating regionally will continue to benefit from our substantial expertise in the sector, technology, and operations. This specific market segment of Infosys will persist in benefiting from our extensive experience. This phenomenon will enable this market sector to sustain substantial growth and efficiency benefits.

SOURCE: THBL