Bangkok –
The rumors have finally been confirmed: the third season of the hit HBO television series “The White Lotus” is coming to Thailand.
In statements released this week, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and HBO announced that filming for the show, created by Mike White, will begin in February in Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui.
Although the third installment of the dark satirical comedy-drama will not air until 2025, the TAT is already anticipating the shine of the spotlight on “White Lotus” and has partnered with HBO for the filming and promotion of the award-winning film. show.
“We are honored to have incredible Thailand as the filming location for the highly anticipated next season of ‘The White Lotus,'” TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said in a press release.
“The kingdom’s exotic natural beauty, its rich historical sites and its diverse landscapes are the perfect settings to share our fascinating culture, our fantastic cuisine, our world-class luxury and wellness offerings and, most importantly, our people and hospitality Thai.”
Janet Graham Borba, executive vice president of production at HBO & Max, also commented on the partnership, saying in a statement: “We are thrilled to partner with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to execute Mike’s creative vision and showcase everything the beautiful country of Thailand has”. offer, when the next group of guests checks into the White Lotus.”
A role for the Four Seasons?
The choice of Thailand, one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, is undoubtedly the right one. As fans of the popular show know, seasons one and two took place in luxury hotels in two stunning locations: Hawaii and Sicily.
In both seasons, the guests and employees of a luxury resort experience a transformative week, as the truths behind the characters’ seemingly idyllic lives are exposed.
Four Seasons properties represented the fictional White Lotus resort in both destinations.
During the first season, viewers were transported to the stunning Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea. For the second season, the show headed to the cliff-top Palace of San Domenico, a five-star resort operated by Four Seasons in the town of Taormina, Sicily.
This has led to much online speculation in recent months that the third season will take place at one of Thailand’s four Four Seasons properties, located in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui and Bangkok.
For now, the luxury hotel brand does not confirm or deny the rumors; A press representative told CNN Travel they are not commenting at this time.
However, there is a potential clue: the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui website shows that there is no availability at the resort from the beginning of February until the last week of March.
WHO COMES TO THAILAND?
When the first season of “White Lotus” ended, many fans were disappointed to learn that the characters would not be returning for the second round. In the end, Jennifer Coolidge returned to play Tanya, the clueless but beloved rich traveler.
HBO has once again announced a new cast list for the anthology’s third season, but will also bring back Natasha Rothwell to reprise her role as Belinda, who played the spa manager at the White Lotus resort in Hawaii.
Other season three cast members announced by HBO, which, like CNN, is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, include Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, Leslie Bibb, Dom Hetrakul and Tayme Thapthimthong.