Foreign films were popular in Thailand from the get-go, but in the 1920s a local film industry started to emerge in Bangkok. The most critically acclaimed Thai films were produced in the "three waves" of the Bangkokian film industry, the 1930s, the 1950s and the late 1990s/2000s, although films made before World War II have unfortunately been lost. Predominant genres are action, historical epics, romance and gay/transgender films, almost always intertwined with elements of comedy. The following are staged (at least partly) in Bangkok:
Bangkok Dangerous (บางกอกแดนเจอรัส เพชฌฆาตเงียบ อันตราย, The Pang Brothers, 1999). The debut of the Pang Brothers, Bangkok Dangerous is a stylish film about a hitman who finds love, and realises how his actions are hurting good people.
Iron Ladies (สตรีเหล็ก, Youngyooth Thongkonthun, 2000). This film follows the true story of a men's volleyball team that almost entirely consists of gay and transgender players. The team competes for the 1996 national championships, and while the crowd loves them, they are being judged by other teams and match officials.
The Beach (Danny Boyle, 2000). Richard (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) is a young American backpacker looking for adventure. In Khao San Road, he meets Daffy, who makes him believe a beach paradise exists on a secret island. While not necessarily a good film, it is popular among backpackers; besides Bangkok, some scenes in this Hollywood production are filmed in Ko Phi Phi, a beach island in Southern Thailand.
Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (องค์บาก, Prachya Pinkaew, 2003). Martial-arts star Tony Jaa's breakthrough film and an absolute must-see for those interested in Muay Thai or fight choreography. Many places in Bangkok are featured, but don't think Khao San Road is the underground fighting den as it is portrayed.
Bangkok Traffic (Love) Story (รถไฟฟ้า..มาหานะเธอ, Adisorn Tresirikasem, 2009). While it could be described as a typical Thai chick flick aimed at middle-class Bangkokian women, it does give a good insight in Bangkok's traffic hassle and transportation networks. The film's acronym (BTS) refers to the Skytrain, which plays an important role in the film. The film was released exactly 10 years after the official opening of the Skytrain.
The Hangover Part II (Todd Phillips, 2011). American comedy film about a group of friends (the "wolf pack") that travel to Bangkok for a bachelor party. A lot of stereotypes are confirmed, but it is still a good laugh. Most scenes of the film are shot in Yaowarat, Sukhumvit and Thonburi; the State Tower in Silom is also featured.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Bangkok
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