Pattaya City, in a landmark collaboration with 12 key partners, is proud to present the third Pattaya Film Festival from Aug 28-30. This cornerstone initiative aspires to establish the city as a Unesco Creative City of Film and a vibrant regional hub for the industry.
The event will leverage cinema as a powerful tool for sustainable development, invigorating local tourism and investment, creating jobs, and driving the economy. This visionary move aligns with the national government’s strategy to utilize soft power and creative industries to generate economic opportunities and enhance the quality of life for all Thais.
Film festivals are a vital component of soft power, serving not only to elevate the Thai film industry to international standards but also to promote the nation’s unique cultural identity. They create significant economic benefits; according to the Department of Tourism, 279 foreign productions filmed in Thailand during the first half of 2025, generating over 2.86 billion baht in revenue. Chon Buri, home to Pattaya, was one of the top three filming locations, alongside Bangkok and Pathum Thani.
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said the city’s identity extends far beyond its famous beaches. “We are proudly evolving into a vibrant city of arts and culture. The film industry is one of the most potent forms of soft power, capable of telling stories, creating inspiration, and, most importantly, driving the economy by generating significant jobs and income for our local people,” he said. “Pattaya is ready in all aspects, from our diverse landscapes to our comprehensive facilities and skilled personnel, to support both domestic and international film productions.”
“This festival is not merely an event; it is a reaffirmation of our vision,” added Mr. Poramet. “We are committed to fostering the sustainable growth of the film industry, with the ultimate goal of achieving international recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Film. This year’s festival will focus on creating immersive, shared experiences, featuring open-air screenings on the beach, masterclasses with industry luminaries to inspire the next generation, and a carefully curated selection of world-class films to broaden the horizons of both residents and visitors.”
The initiative is formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Pattaya City and 12 key organizations to spearhead the city’s Unesco bid and its developmentas a film industry centre. The partners include the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta), the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office, the Department of Tourism, and other leading academic and industry associations.
Join the 3rd Pattaya Film Festival from August 28–30, 2025, at SF Cinema Pattaya, and discover the enchanting charm of the city in all its dimensions its sea, nature, cityscapes, culture, and vibrant nightlife through the lens of cinema. This year’s festival will feature screenings of 16 selected films from Thailand and around the world, along with Masterclass sessions and panel discussions led by acclaimed directors and industry experts. Audiences will also enjoy lectures and knowledge-sharing sessions on the filmmaking process, as well as a special Film Trip that will take participants to explore real filming locations across Pattaya, highlighting the city’s strong potential as a world-class film destination.
With its robust infrastructure, modern facilities, strategic location, and diverse settings, Pattaya is fully equipped to support both international and domestic film productions. Beyond its cinematic role, the festival will enhance the city’s cultural image, boost tourism, stimulate local spending, and energize Pattaya’s economy, further solidifying its status as a vibrant and dynamic film city.
