The filming of the third season of HBO's The White Lotus has taken place primarily at the stunning Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, located on Thailand's northeastern coast. Known for its breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand and its immaculate private villas, this five-star paradise is expected to replicate the previous success of the series' other exotic filming locations. Following seasons filmed in Hawaii and Sicily, the hype surrounding The White Lotus is already generating buzz, not only for its drama and satire but also for its imminent boost to Thailand’s tourism industry.
Parker Posey stars as Violet Ratliff, the matriarch of a wealthy North Carolina family vacationing at the lavish resort. The character's exaggerated southern drawl—crafted from her own Mississippi roots—adds layers of intrigue and theatrical flair to the series. Posey’s approach was inspired partly by her childhood and the high society of the South, as she mentioned, “It was so fun to play. It’s the theatricality of Southerners.” This dramatization is complemented by the involvement of Blackpink's Lisa, who is making her acting debut as part of the hotel staff. Reactions among local staff to Lisa's presence were nothing short of infectious, with Posey recounting, “The butlers at the Four Seasons were gobsmacked.”
The anticipated premiere date of February 16, 2025, marks the beginning of what is expected to be another surge of interest—especially from tourists eager to experience the luxurious lifestyle depicted on-screen. Already, travel agencies report staggering increases, with bookings to the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui surging by over 312% compared to the previous year. According to Jasjit Assi, the resort’s general manager, “Book now. Secure your room, or you might miss the window.” Notably, past seasons have seen similar spikes; for example, after Season 2 aired, hotels featured experienced increases of up to 300% in travel inquiries.
Season 3 promises not just aesthetic beauty but also compelling storylines. This season aims to explore themes surrounding Eastern spirituality and the often humorous nuances of death, enriching the layered narratives typical of the show. Each episode will not just entertain but will also provoke thought about privilege and the lives of the wealthy. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, reports, “We anticipate both immediate and lasting benefits for Thailand from The White Lotus Season 3.” This statement reflects confidence based on the show's historical impact, where property values and room rates have significantly increased post-airing.
Within the hotel industry, the effects of The White Lotus can be summed up as the 'White Lotus Effect,' where featured locations see tangible increases in interest and bookings. Minor Hotels showcased strong financial results, attributing part of their recent success to the series. They reported record earnings with occupancy rates surging, particularly within Thailand itself, which has regained its status as a premier luxury and wellness destination.
While Koh Samui is the main filming hub, production also spanned to picturesque locations around Phuket and Bangkok, giving viewers various stunning backdrops to enjoy. Behind-the-scenes experiences have proven quirky and engaging, with some actors noting it “felt like The Truman Show,” encapsulating the joys and challenges of filming within such lavish settings. Aimee Lou Wood shared her experience, saying, “You become a White Lotus guest, you actually do.”
Returning actors have shared their own stories, with Carrie Coon stating, “Knowing it was going to be filmed in Thailand was initially a challenge,” yet adding how her husband encouraged her to seize the opportunity, proving the appealing draw of working within such scenic locales. The production dynamics differed from previous seasons, introducing various locations and unique challenges, but the sense of camaraderie among the cast remained palpable.
With its stunning visuals, impactful storytelling, and thematic explorations of human experience, the third season of The White Lotus is set to be as culturally significant as it is visually appealing. The show not only entertains but provides insight, leaving viewers with much to ponder about life’s frivolities and the privileges enjoyed by the wealthy. The effect on Thailand's tourism and the hospitality industry can only be anticipated eagerly. What lies on the horizon is undoubtedly another successful chapter not just for the series but for the tourism sector it reinvigorates as well.