Krabi rejects bid to film Netflix horror over environmental concerns
A foreign film producer’s request to use three popular Krabi beaches as the setting for a Netflix horror film was turned down recently.
Krabi governor Puttipong Sirimart said Deep Blue Production’s request to shoot “The Meg 2” from April 16 to May 9 was rejected.
The company wanted to use Phra Nang, Tonsai and Railey beaches as well as build a set near the ShellSea Krabi resort in Muang district. The filmmakers were also planning to shoot a helicopter landing scene on Tonsai Beach as well as use jet skis in a rescue-mission scene at Railey Beach.
Puttipong said representatives of the public and private sector met online last week to discuss ways of boosting the economy and rejected the film production mainly due to the jet ski scene.
Puttipong said the Krabi Tourism Declaration prohibits the use of jet skis, scooters, banana boats and beach umbrellas on Krabi beaches. The declaration has been in use for five years and was extended by another two years on March 25, 2011, by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa.
He said the declaration prohibits all activities that can harm Krabi’s environment, including the use of scooters and jet skis.
The meeting also noted that Krabi’s marine park and office had received jet skis, but they chose not to use them.
The meeting also said the plan to build a bridge on the beach and closing Railey from April 16 to May 9 would seriously affect tourism operators, resorts and tourists who want to visit this popular beach.
The governor said that though the film production would have created 400 jobs and brought cash to the province, it would have been environmentally damaging.