Thailand - A destination of foreign filmmakers and tourists

Lalisa, globally known as Lisa of BLACKPINK, has driven a 65% surge in US tourist interest and a 12% rise in accommodation searches on Agoda.

'White Lotus' Season 3's actors Morgana O'Reilly, Arnas Fedaravičius, Christian Friedel, Dom Hetrakul and Lalisa Manobal. (Photo: HBO)
'White Lotus' Season 3's actors Morgana O'Reilly, Arnas Fedaravičius, Christian Friedel, Dom Hetrakul and Lalisa Manobal. (Photo: HBO)

Bangkok (VNA) - The Thai government has thanked singer Lalisa Manobal for boosting international interest in Koh Samui through her role in The White Lotus Season 3.

Lalisa, globally known as Lisa of BLACKPINK, has driven a 65% surge in US tourist interest and a 12% rise in accommodation searches on Agoda.

The HBO series, created by Mike White, has shifted its setting to Thailand after filming in Hawaii and Sicily. Key locations include Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Samui’s Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Choeng Mon Beach, and Dusit Dhewa Cultural Centre.

Deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan noted that luxury hotel bookings in Koh Samui have increased by 40% due to the series. In 2024, foreign film productions in Thailand contributed 196 million USD and created 29,000 jobs.

With the White Lotus drawing global attention, Thailand reinforces its appeal as a top destination for tourists and filmmakers alike./.

VNA

See more

The new mass emergency alert system SG Alert, which will be used during emergencies such as major fires, chemical or terror incidents, seen on an Apple and Android device on Apr 17, 2026. (Photo: CNA)

Singapore launches new national emergency alert system

SG Alert in Singapore uses cell broadcast technology, enabling alerts to be delivered within seconds without requiring mobile data or collecting personal information. Unlike conventional SMS, which may be delayed during network congestion or depend on internet connectivity, the system ensures fast and reliable message delivery. Alerts can be sent islandwide or targeted to specific affected areas.

Malaysia establishes ‘war room’ to ensure water security

Malaysia establishes ‘war room’ to ensure water security

The establishment of the war room reflects the Malaysian government’s commitment to shift from a reactive approach to a more proactive, data-driven one in managing national water challenges, particularly amid increasingly unpredictable weather conditions caused by global climate change

Indonesia diversifies supply sources to ensure energy security

Indonesia diversifies supply sources to ensure energy security

Indonesia is facing significant supply pressure as crude oil consumption reaches approximately 1.6 million barrels per day, much lower than the domestic production at only around 600,000 barrels per day, forcing the country to rely heavily on imports.

Indonesian-branded cosmetic and personal care products are available at supermarkets and shopping malls (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia aims to master cosmetics industry value chain

Key drivers include its large population, expanding middle class, and rapidly rising demand for beauty products, especially among young consumers. The market has reached billions of US dollars and is projected to maintain strong growth in the medium term.

The Anthropic logo is seen in this illustration taken on Mar 1, 2026. (File photo: Reuters)

Singapore warns of cyber risks from Frontier AI models

According to CSA, advanced AI models – among the most cutting-edge systems today – can significantly shorten the time needed to identify system vulnerabilities and develop exploitation tools, reducing the process from months to just hours.

Helicopter carrying eight reported missing in Indonesia

Helicopter carrying eight reported missing in Indonesia

Indonesian authorities are urgently conducting a search and rescue operation after receiving reports that a helicopter carrying eight people suddenly lost contact on the morning of April 16 in West Kalimantan on the island of Borneo.