I searched the board for a thread on this but couldn't find one. Anyone have suggestions for movies that take place in Thailand or Laos to get a feel for various places, see famous sites, etc?

Although I haven't seen either of these movies, one of our tour guides in Bangkok suggested the old version of The King and I with Yul Brenner, as well as the newer version with Jody Foster. She said that both were officially banned in Thailand due to the subject matter - the king becoming romantically involved with one of his staff!

A DVD of a British TV movie entitled Auf Friedesen Pet has recently been released. This is set in Vientienne and Northern Thailand. - I ordered it from amazon.co.uk

That move with Jodie Foster was actually filmed in Malaysia, not Thailand. The "Killing Fields" about Cambodia was filmed in and around Hua hin in Thailand, so often the locations are not where you think!
Perhaps if you have a Thai grocery you can ask them who rents out Thai videos/dvds and then head along and see if they have Thai movies with local settings, there is a booming Thai movie industry and some are issued in some countries with sub-titles. If there is a local Thai community you can be sure there is a video.dvd rental place around.
There are movies like the 'Beach' but honestly not that sure you would find a good perspective of a country in a movie, of course there are exceptions.

JamesA-
didn't know that the Killing Fields were filmed round Hua Hin. Will have to watch it again!

The scenary scenes were done in the Sam Roi Yot National park just south of the town and in the movie the Hua Hin Sofitel was " L'Hotel Phnom Penh ", they have used the Sofitel in some other movies and it often 'appears' on TV when they are doing historical dramas.

"Man with the Golden Gun" (1974). Probably one of the worse of the Bond movies with a silly script and Roger Moore, but if you want to see Thailand...

[Also see the sinking Queen Mary in Hong Kong harbor.]

Just wanted to add that all version of the King and I or Anna and the King of Siam were not film in Thailand and all of them are not even allowed to be shown publicly in Thailand.

Here's a website which list most of the Hollywood movies shot in Thailand. One of my relative even starred in the "Ugly American".

http://www.thaistudents.com/movies/list.html

There have been more movies made since I don't think this site is updated. I believe "Alexander" and alot of Steven Segal B grad movies were shot here.

Thanks, Hanuman, I will rent some of the better ones.

"Broken Down Palace" and that Leonardo di Caprio movie which I can't remember the name of at the moment. Happy Travels!

Oh, it just hit me...I think it was called,"The Beach". Happy Travels!