Filming in Bangkok Thailand

Posted by Karl von Moller Published in Thailand

My updates to this blog slowed while I was working in Thailand recently. I found that when I wasn’t working, I was catching up with very good friends in Bangkok or touring the many Temples, Buddha’s and Palaces!! I have worked in Bangkok quite a few times, and every time with new people so I’m beginning to formulate a well rounded view on life working in Bangkok I think. In any case, I love working in Thailand because the people there are genuinely happy and nice.

While I can’t reveal why I’m filming in Thailand just yet, I can say that we looked at locations all over Bangkok. I spent several days driving from one side to the other, searching for places so I did get to see more of everyday Bangkok then most. As before, I was put up in the Nana district, in a very nice hotel. For some reason, I almost always get put up in this regions – I think this is because it’s close to the Production Houses, however the region is infamous for it’s nightlife and plentiful bars and pubs! I don’t mind but it does seem like a cliche to be constantly put up here!

Despite various coup attempts and “Airport lock downs”, Bangkok hasn’t changed at all. It’s a massive city with over 11 million people in it – so it’s dirty, exciting and fun! I caught up with my good friends Mike Parsons and his Wife, who have permanently moved to Thailand and they love it. On the photographic front, Bangkok is a treasure trove of opportunities. I packed my 5D MKII with all the lenses I could carry and walked for miles around the streets, alleyways and markets of Bangkok. For me, the biggest problem always is in deciding what gear I will take and what stays behind. It seems unfair that only 20KG of equipment can come along but their the airline rules …After our 2 day shoot had concluded, I spent a day traveling to Bangkok’s more tourist destinations. I have never actually done this before but this time I felt I should see something touristy! So I went by Skytrain (a rail service also known as BTS) to Central. Central is a very popular modern shopping district which I wasn’t that interested in. Just a side note, we actually filmed part of the TVC here. I then traveled to Wat Arun by Taxi and then on by Tuk Tuk to the Grand Palace, a famous temple with a 40 foot upright buddha and finally to the banks of the main river in Bangkok.I boarded a long boat here, and traveled al the way down the river back to Central, where I caught the Skytrain back to Nana! In a nutshell that was it! A huge day of walking around and seeing the sites! I have to say, it was amazing and I can highly recommend everyone visiting Bangkok should see at least the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Probably the only trap for young players are the Tuk Tuk drivers. They work like Mafia controlled robots so watch out! Mostly they will offer you a very cheap deal – 10 baht to see x amount of places which is “like nothing”! This is because they are being paid also to take you to various store outlets etc around town. I suggest if you don’t want to spend your valuable time looking around for new Suits and Jewelry, then offer the driver 100 – 300 baht and he will take you only where you want to go. It’s not entirely a scam but they really should explain their situation before you get it!