Alien: Earth brings sci-fi horror to Sam Roi Yot
Highlights
Filmed at Bueng Bua in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park as part of a 2.8 billion baht production across seven provinces
Employed more than 16,000 Thai crew members and involved over 25,000 people nationwide
Praised internationally for its cinematic quality, with average Rotten Tomatoes ratings of 94%
The new science fiction horror series Alien: Earth, part of the iconic Alien franchise, has brought global attention to Sam Roi Yot after scenes were filmed at Bueng Bua in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Known locally as the lotus lake, the location features prominently in the eight-part series, which premiered in Thailand on Disney+ on 13 August and runs through to 23 September.
Created by Noah Hawley and set in 2120, two years before the events of the 1979 film Alien, Alien: Earth is the first in the franchise to take place on Earth. Filming took place over nearly two years from 2023 to 2024, spanning seven provinces including Bangkok, Phang Nga, Krabi, Nakhon Pathom, Surat Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Samut Prakan. The production invested more than 2.8 billion baht in Thailand and employed over 16,000 Thai crew members, with more than 25,000 people nationwide involved.
The series has been widely praised by critics, earning Rotten Tomatoes ratings averaging 94 per cent and an IMDb score of 8.3/10. The Guardian described it as “TV that bristles with bone-deep dread,” while NPR called it “one of the best shows so far this year.” Critics have noted its balance of classic Alien horror with fresh elements such as hybrid creatures and corporate intrigue.
Alien: Earth filming locations in Thailand
While Bueng Bua’s sweeping wetlands in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park are a standout feature, the production travelled extensively across the country. Locations included:
Bangkok – From historic temples to sleek modern architecture, the capital offered diverse backdrops, such as Wat Kamphaeng Bang Chak, Sindhorn Tower, Neon Market, the New World Building, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Green Park Studio, K Village, Park Origin Thonglor, and Baan Ah Gong Ah Ma.
Samut Prakan – The Studio Park Thailand in Bang Bo District served as one of the main filming bases.
Prachuap Khiri Khan – Bueng Bua in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, known for its lotus-covered wetlands and wooden boardwalks.
Surat Thani – Filming took place at Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, and Khao Sok National Park.
Nakhon Pathom – The College of Music at Mahidol University provided a modern, institutional backdrop.
Krabi – Scenes were filmed at Nam Luek Bay in Than Bok Khorani National Park.
Phang Nga – Locations included Ban An Pao Pier, Koh Roi in Koh Yao District, and the famous Samet Nangshe Viewpoint.
TAT sees film industry as tourism driver
According to Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the filming of Alien: Earth is a significant milestone for the country’s film industry and tourism sector. She said the TAT has long supported major international productions, citing examples such as Jurassic World: Rebirth, which also filmed in Thailand. Incentive measures, including cash rebates of 15–30 per cent for foreign productions, have been introduced to attract world-class film crews.
“The TAT will continue to promote the film industry and develop the tourism supply chain, helping to distribute tourists from major cities to emerging destinations and lesser-known filming locations,” Ms Thapanee said. “This will circulate income within communities and create more economic opportunities for small business operators. Alongside this, the Location Thailand project works to inspire film-induced tourism and elevate Thailand as a creative tourism destination.”
The Location Thailand project also encourages visitors to follow in the footsteps of international productions by promoting filming locations as travel destinations. The initiative has already been applied to a number of high-profile titles filmed in Thailand, with the aim of boosting visitor numbers and showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
Bueng Bua’s inclusion in Alien: Earth is expected to raise the profile of the Sam Roi Yot area among both domestic and international travellers, adding to the growing list of high-profile productions filmed in Thailand.
Wetlands at Bueng Bua in Sam Roi Yot
