Netflix eyes Thailand as new content hub in Asia

Netflix has taken a significant strategic step, channeling more than $200 million into Thailand over the past four years with the goal of establishing the country as its new content hub in Asia.

The success of Thai content has already demonstrated the country's creative potential, with flagship titles like Master of the House becoming a global phenomenon.

This has driven Thai content viewership on the platform to over 750 million hours this year alone. Netflix shows no signs of slowing down, with plans to produce nine new Thai original titles in a single year, including the highly anticipated zombie film Ziam.

Netflix's investment aligns perfectly with the Thai government's national strategy to generate THB 4 trillion (nearly $122.4 billion) in revenue and create 20 million jobs from the creative economy, positioning it as a new engine for national growth.

Thailand's film cash rebate programme is a key incentive for global productions, having attracted over 4,600 foreign film projects since 2016 and generating over $1 billion in economic value.

Chakrit Pichyangkul, director of the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), stated that in 2024 alone, foreign productions generated $200 million in direct revenue for the Thai economy.

The Thai government has also increased its budget to support domestic productions, leading to a steady appearance of Thai films and series at international film festivals and on global streaming platforms.

The increased global visibility of Thailand also promotes cultural tourism and boosts demand for Thai products, consistently bringing over $9.19 billion in revenue back into the country, Chakrit concluded.