Top 14 Documentaries About Thailand You Need To Watch

Thailand Documentaries: Intro

Are you planning your trip to Thailand and currently looking for more information about this wonderful country? Then watching a documentary is your best way to go. Watching documentaries about Thailand is the best way to be familiar with its life, culture, people, and sometimes, even its dark side. 

You don’t need to search the internet for a list of the best Thailand documentaries because you are in the right place. Here, we collected a list of the top 14 documentaries you can start watching today.

So, grab your popcorns and let’s get started!

1. Explore exotic Thailand: Amazing and rich culture - Thai History Documentary

Thailand is not just a vacation spot, but it’s also rich in culture and history. This documentary about Thailand features a storyline spanning a 3-year period in the exhilarating history of the country. 

In this Thailand history documentary, you will also understand the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the under-sea coral gardens of southern Thailand. You will also explore the bridge on the River Kwai. The most exciting part of this documentary is when the host filmed the annual opium harvest in the mountains of Thailand and Burma.

2. Thailand's Ancient Modern Kingdom - Ayutthaya Documentary CNA

Ayutthaya was once the city’s mighty empire that managed huge parts of Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. It was a cosmopolitan center of more than a million locals as it was considered one of the richest cities in the eastern hemisphere.

The host of this Thailand documentary brings you to a wonderful journey to explore the secrets of how this empire grew to be strong and powerful. The film also explores how the region grew into a flourishing trading hub that attracted merchants from all across the globe.

3. Soul of a Nation : The Royal Family of Thailand - Thailand History Documentary BBC

This is one of the most exciting documentaries about Thailand so far, filmed in the 1970s. This is a 3-hour long BBC documentary that includes wonderful and rare footage of King Bhumibol Adulyadej had a chat with a BBC reporter. 

The documentary also contains exclusive footage of Her Majesty Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara and Her Majesty Somdech Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani, the mom and the spouse of His Majesty, respectively.

4. King Bhumibol Rama IV of Thailand: The People's King - Thailand King Documentary

After the above documentary, would you like to know more about Thailand’s King? Then this Thailand documentary is your next to watch. Deemed as the People’s King, King Bhumibol Rama IV of Thailand is the king who earned his respect from the people, not because he is considered a king but what he did for his people. 

His legacy remains and will be an inspiration to many people.

5. Adventure Travel in Thailand -  National Geographic Thailand Documentary

This documentary on Thailand by BBC explores the amazing destinations you will see when you travel in the country. Watching this documentary will allow you to delve into the wonders of Thailand on a trip filled with memorable experiences.

Discover the elegant stones, stupas and extensive palaces of Ayutthaya Historical Park. You can then venture to Chiang Mai, where you can create local dishes with tasty ingredients collected from a town market. While exploring Buddhist temples and lush mountain landscapes, you will get an intimate perspective on the rich cultural heritage and history of Thailand.

6. Wildlife Nature of Thailand - National Geographic Thailand Documentary

Did you know that Thailand is a land of amazing beauty, with over fifty protected national parks accounting for at least ten percent of the region’s surface? However, its majestic array of wildlife is often ignored and rarely seen. Filmed more than five years and featuring intriguing and rare species, this Thailand documentary presents the best footage, showcasing the wildlife in Thailand.

7. The Real Bangkok Hilton Prison - Thailand Jail Documentary

Referred to as the Bangkok Hilton by the West, the Bangkwang Jail in Thailand is one of the most notorious prisons in life. This Thailand jail documentary was the best. The reality of life in this prison has remained a secret. But after careful negotiations, TV cameras were allowed inside the jail.

This documentary tells the human stories of prisoners having a difficult time staying sane in the cramped condition of the jail and the staff struggling to cope with the ever-growing number of prisoners.

8. Thailand Cave Rescue Documentary

You may have heard of the story of twelve boys from a Thai soccer team and their coach who were trapped in a flooded cave. Thus, an underground rescue was nearly impossible. This documentary brings you an exclusive video that unpacks how events unfolded for more than seventeen days.

9. Thailand Tsunami Documentary 2004

On December 26, 2004, an earthquake took place off the coast of the Sumatra island in Indonesia. That earthquake and its corresponding tsunami killed hundreds of people. This Thailand tsunami documentary shows the true story of how the need for unity in recovering from a horrible tsunami brought officials and rebels together in peace talks.

10. Welcome to Bangkok - DW Thailand Documentary

Bangkok is Thailand’s capital, rich in culture and diversity. This documentary highlights the best spots you will find in the region, popular spots and places off the beaten track. This journey also takes us to the places where residents go to chill and relax.

11. Thailand Prostitution Documentary: The Darker Side of Bangkok

This is what we mean when we talk about the darker side of Thailand. This is a hard-hitting documentary exposing the disturbing trends of modern-day prostitution in the country.

12. DIY Destinations: Thailand Budget Travel Show

Are you looking for more content about the destinations you can visit in Thailand? This is the documentary for you. This footage features the best of Thailand has to offer, covering Bangkok, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi Town, and Chiang Mai.

13. Ladyboys in Thailand Documentary - Story of Ladyboys

The attraction of Thailand’s Ladyboys is so powerful that many men will leave behind everything and everyone they know to be with them. This fascinating Ladyboys in Thailand documentary explores the increasing trend of Ladyboys in the country.

14. The Third Gender: Documentary on Thailand's Trans Community

This is a documentary made on the trans community in Thailand, also referred to as kathoey or “ladyboy.” It explores the secret and odd world of Thailand’s third gender by following Ladyboys through their struggles and successes.

Thailand Documentaries: Conclusions

If you're passionate about South East Asia, be sure to check also these collections of documentaries about Myanmar, Laos and Tibet.

Did you enjoy this exploration of Thailand through amazing documentaries? If yes, don't forget to share!

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Picture Credits: @cadop on Unsplash