Inside 'The White Lotus' Season 3: The Cast Talks Twists, Thailand, and Finding Home
As "The White Lotus" season three continues to unravel its intricate web of tension and mystery, one thing is clear: beyond the drama and satire, the show’s Thai setting has left an indelible mark on its cast.
With The White Lotus season three halfway through its eight-episode run, audiences are already deep into the show's signature mix of satire, luxury, and looming disaster. The latest season, set against the stunning backdrop of Thailand, has sparked intense speculation about its characters’ fates. L'OFFICIEL caught up with the cast to reflect on their first reactions to the script, their experiences filming in Thailand, and whether they could see themselves making a home there.
The Script: A First Look at the Chaos
For Sarah Catherine Hook who plays Piper Ratliff, diving into the season felt like stepping into the mind of the audience—except with the added pressure of figuring out who doesn’t make it out alive.
“You know what’s so fun?” she says. “Watching the show as a fan is so different from reading the script as an actor. The audience is thinking, ‘Who dies?’—but that was our experience reading it too. I kept making predictions and was completely blown away.” Her co-star, Sam Nivola who plays Lochlan Ratliff, keeps it succinct: “I can’t believe they even let me read it.”
Thailand’s Magic: Hippos and Cultural Immersion
Filming in Thailand proved to be just as memorable as the script’s many twists. Nivola recounts a particularly unique experience meeting Moo Deng, a local hippo. “It was amazing. Truly one of the best days of my life,” he says. Hook laughs, adding, “I feel like I went just to see Sam’s reaction. His love for Moo Deng is unmatched.”
On set, the energy was high. Hook describes a particularly intense scene: “It was Saxon, Piper, and Lachlan—the first setup of their dynamic, fighting over his soul. We were all nervous, but after that, we got into the rhythm.”
For Thai actors like Dom Hetrakul and Lek Patravadi, the show’s setting is a point of pride. “Thailand is one of the best tourist destinations in the world,” Hetrakul says. “It’s an exceptional experience whether you’re here for business, a family vacation, or even retirement.” Patravadi, meanwhile, is excited to see how creator Mike White portrays the country. “I already know Thailand, but it’s exciting to see how he presents it differently. It’s clever, beautiful, and surprising.”
Advice for Foreigners: Respect and Exploration
With much of the cast unfamiliar with Thailand, the local actors offered insights on navigating its culture. Hetrakul’s advice is simple: “Come and explore. Thailand has many perspectives, and everyone finds their own version of it.” Patravadi stresses cultural awareness. “Wherever you go, research the culture and ways of living. What’s normal to you might not be elsewhere. Respect is key.”
Could Thailand Be Home?
For some cast members, the country’s beauty and energy made a lasting impression. Parker Posey, who spent significant time in Koh Samui, was enthralled. “Natasha [Rothwell] and I kept saying, ‘Let’s look for a place to live.’ The people, the food, the vibe—it’s incredible.”
Rothwell, who is also a writer, found creative inspiration in Thailand’s history. “I learned that Thailand has never been colonised, and there’s a spirit of freedom here that makes it a beautiful incubator for writing. In the States, there’s a constant weight of historical trauma. Here, there’s peace.”
Posey echoes the sentiment, drawn to Thailand’s deep-rooted spirituality. “There’s reciprocity here—a give and take. In America, success feels transactional. But in Thailand, the land itself feels alive. There’s a respect for spirits and history that I wish we had more of back home.”
Whether through hippos, history, or sheer beauty, Thailand has proven to be more than just a backdrop—it’s a character all its own.
