The third season of the HBO series is set on the island of Ko Samui and the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) has revealed that there has been an 88 per cent increase in internet searches and a 44 per cent rise in hotel reservations on the Asian country's second-largest island since the show returned to screens earlier this month.

According to the travel agency Opodo - an online travel agency established by European airlines - British travellers have displayed the most interest in Thailand, with a 53 per cent year-on-year increase in searches.

Ko Samui led the way with an 88 per increase in searches, whilst inquiries for Phuket and Bangkok rose by 66 and 61 per cent respectively.

Meanwhile, searches for accommodation on the island among users from the United States have risen by 65 per cent since January.

Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice president of the TCT, also revealed that the presence of K-pop superstar Lisa - a member of the girl group BLACKPINK - in the series has sparked interest from individuals from other Southeast Asian countries.

He expects 'The White Lotus' to bolster tourism on the island throughout the year - to the extent that there will be no low season.

Ratchaporn said that production on the third season was supported by the Department of Tourism, which helps to facilitate international film productions with a budget exceeding 50 million baht in Thailand.

Other productions filmed in the country over the past year include the movie 'Jurassic World Rebirth' and the TV series 'Alien', with the combined value surpassing seven billion baht.