Cinemas in Thailand are popular venues for entertainment. Especially in Bangkok, the movie theaters tend to be multiplex facilities offering many other forms of entertainment besides movies, such as bowling or karaoke, along with restaurants and small shops.
The films playing in Thai cinemas are usually first-run Hollywood features, which tend to dominate the box-office scene.[1] There is a burgeoning Thai film industry that is making dozens of films each year that are increasingly popular with local audiences. Films from other Asian countries, such as Korea, Japan and Hong Kong, are popular as well.
The movie-theater business in Thailand is led by the Major Cineplex Group, which owns the Major Cineplex chain as well as the EGV chain and operates the Paragon Cineplex at Siam Paragon as well as Thailand's IMAX theaters.[2] Behind the combined Major Cineplex-EGV, which has a 50 percent market share, the SF Group is the No. 2 operator, with a 35 percent share.[3] Smaller chains include Apex in Bangkok's Siam Square, Thana Cineplex, Major Hollywood and UMG. In Chiang Mai, there is the Vista cinema. In Southern Thailand, there is the Coliseum chain.
As of 2007[update], there were 570 screens in Thailand, with 300 in the Bangkok metropolitan area. Nationwide, the person-to-screen ratio is 170 people per screen, with a 30:1 ratio in Bangkok.[3]
Ticketing, seating and customs
An assortment of ticket stubs from Bangkok cinemas, circa 2006.
Ticket prices range from around 70 baht to 160 baht, depending on the time of day, the day of the week, the location of the theater and the movie being screened. In Bangkok cinemas, the price for new-release films will generally be 140 to 160 baht.
Seating is assigned; audience members make their choice of seating on a computer screen at the box office. Online ticketing is available on theater-chain websites. Automated phone booking is available as well.
Before the film, the audience must stand for the "Royal Anthem", which is accompanied by a montage of images of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The EGV chain has "Gold Class" cinemas, which have smaller screening rooms fitted with reclining seats, blankets and pillows. Prices for a Gold Class show range from 300 baht to 500 baht. The Major Cineplex chain offers comparable "Emperor" class seating, while SF Cinema has "First Class" and "VIP" screenings and Major Hollywood has "Star" seats. Paragon Cineplex has "Ultra Screen" theaters. Some cinemas, including Major Cineplex, EGV and Major Hollywood, have sofa-style seating at the back of the auditoriums, intended for couples. Customers who purchase these types of seats may sit in a lounge before the show and may be provided with free drinks or popcorn. Food and drinks may also be ordered and will be served by theater staff as the movie is playing.[4]
Language and subtitling
In central Bangkok and cities with many tourists and foreign residents, such as Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket, foreign films (including Hollywood releases) will have the original soundtrack (called "soundtrack") with Thai subtitles. Outside of tourism centers and in some suburban Bangkok cinemas, all the foreign films, including Hollywood films, will generally be dubbed into Thai language.
Films from other Asian countries, including China, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea, often play in Thailand theaters, but the soundtracks will usually be dubbed into Thai. Exceptions to this will be found at the Apex chain theaters in Siam Square and at House cinema on Royal City Avenue.
Often, films from Hollywood, such as The Da Vinci Code, as well as films from European countries that feature languages other than English, will have only Thai subtitles.[1]
For Thai films, most cinemas in tourism centers will have English subtitles. Exceptions for regional language (like Isan) in Thai film, such as Yam Yasothon (Thai: แหยม ยโสธร) and Panya Raenu (Thai: ปัญญา เรณู), which have only Thai-subtitles.
A motion picture rating system to replace the 1930 Film Code was passed by the National Legislative Assembly in 2007 and was implemented in 2010.
Under the 1930 Film Code, the Board of Censors reviewed all films to be shown in Thailand and made cuts or altered scenes that were deemed inappropriate. The board was made up of members of the Royal Thai Police and Ministry of Culture officials. Members of various interest groups, such as Buddhist monks, physicians or teachers, are sometimes consulted about whether certain films would offend them.
Traditionally, depictions of sex and nudity are dealt with most heavy-handedly, with scenes being cut, pixelated or obscured by petroleum jelly. Profanity and violence are generally left intact.
Apex
The Apex Group of cinemas comprise the Lido, Scala and Siam theaters in Siam Square in Bangkok. The company is owned by the Tansacha family and is headed by Nanta Tansacha.[5] The theaters were built in the late 1960s and have changed little since, making possible a retro movie-going experience that can't be found at the shopping-mall multiplexes. The theaters tend to not be as crowded as the other cinemas in central Bangkok, and it's usually possible to obtain the most-desired seating just minutes before showtime. The Apex cinemas not only show first-run Hollywood films, but also many art films, which is unique in Thailand, other than the House theater on Royal City Avenue. Among the events exclusive to the Apex is the annual Little Big Film Project, in which a series of foreign independent films are shown over the course of several weeks.
The Lido cinemas are an older multiplex dating back to the late 1960s. They often screen Japanese, Korean and other foreign films and offer both Thai and English subtitles. All seats are 100 baht.
On May 31, 2018, the cinema held a farewell event for the original iteration of the multiplex before closing down for renovation and re-opened as Lido Connect on July 30, 2019. After re-opening, while Lido 2 and 3 were converted into concert and live event halls — only Lido 1 remains as a movie theater.
The Scala Theatre was built in 1967. The screen is 21 meters wide and 8.7 meters tall.[5] Ticket buyers point out what seats they desire on a paper chart in the ticket booth. Also in the lobby are hand-painted movie advertisements, which were commonplace in Thailand until the 1990s, when large-scale screen printing became available. First-run Hollywood features are usually featured at the Scala, with the films moving to the Lido cinemas in subsequent weeks. The Scala is occasionally booked for live shows and private functions. Tickets are 140 baht for normal seats (Row H-CC) and 160 baht for stadium-style seating at the rear of the auditorium (Row A-G).
Scala switched their main projector from film to digital on February 27, 2013, with the film projector still available for special screenings of films in 35mm movie film.
The Scala Cinema closed on 5 July 2020, with its last screening being the film, Cinema Paradiso.
Major Cineplex, combined with the EGV chain, is the largest operator of cinemas in Thailand. Its operations are concentrated in Bangkok. Major Cineplex's cinemas are divided into five brands which are Major Cineplex, EGV, Paragon Cineplex, Quartier CineArt and Esplanade Cineplex.
The former flagship branch of the Major Cineplex chain was opened in 1998. It had Thailand's first IMAX theater until the IMAX operation was moved to Paragon Cineplex in 2006. The shopping mall is anchored by the cineplex, with shops, restaurants, a bowling alley, karaoke and a fitness center. An IMAX Digital Theatre was opened here in 2010.[6]
Major Cineplex Rama 2
9
1710
Central Rama 2
Major Cineplex Rama 3
9
2596
Central Rama 3
A former United Artists multiplex, Major Cineplex took it over and remodeled it in 2003.
A shopping center anchored by the movie theater with restaurants, shops, bowling alley and karaoke, the Sukhumvit branch sometimes has late shows. It is near the Skytrain's Ekamai station, opposite the Eastern Bus Terminal.
Normal-class seat is priced at 100-120 baht. On Tuesday there is a special discount in all classes. Honeymoon seat is available, providing larger seat pitch and legroom. Emperor-class reclining seat is also available at 500 baht with a complimentary drink or popcorn.
The first multiplex theater in Thailand, Opened in 1994 built situated in the former Future Park Bangkae Shopping Mall before taken over by Seacon Development Public Co., Ltd. In August 2010 it was temporarily closed for big renovated and will be opened in August 2012.
Opened June 2006; moved from former location at Major Ratchayothin. It's also the only IMAX theater in the Southeast Asia region with a functional IMAX 70mm film projector.
Opened in early 2006 on the fifth floor of the shopping mall, the cineplex includes the Siam Pavalai, a 1,200-seat theater. There are six smaller, luxury "Ultra Screen" cinemas, with reclining seats, as well as Enigma, a members-only cinema and lounge.
A flagship branch for the Major Cineplex chain opened in December 2006. It includes a 22-lane bowling alley, an ice-skating rink, shops and restaurants. It is near the MRT's Thailand Cultural Centre station.
Esplanade Cineplex Rattanathibate
16
4200
The Esplanade (Ngamwonwan-Khaerai) Rattanathibate Road, Nonthaburi
The second branch in the Esplanade Cineplex's chain. It includes a 22-lane bowling alley,15 karaoke rooms, an ice-skating rink 2-times larger than Rachadaphisek branch, 7,435 sq.m. retail space.Including the MMAX Theatre, the Thailand's biggest Digital 3D Screen. It is expected to open in December 2009. It is located in the premise of Lotus's Rattanathibate at Kae-Lai Intersection
Paradise Cineplex
Paradise Cineplex is located in the Paradise Park up-scale shopping mall, a former Seri Center on Srinakarin Road and operated by the Major Cineplex Group.
A former Major Cineplex, the multiplex was expanded from six to eight screens and rebranded as Paradise Cineplex on 4 August 2010. In keeping with the shopping mall's aims, the multiplex is marketed as an upscale luxury cinema focused on high-income customers lived in eastern Bangkok and the suburbs near Srinakarin Road, Suvarnabhumi Airport and the Bangna-Trad Road area. Closed in January 2023.
Mega Cineplex
Mega Cineplex is located in the Mega Bangna shopping mall, and is operated by the Major Cineplex Group.
Cinema
Screens
Seats
Location
Remarks
Mega Cineplex
15
3445
Siam Future Mega Bangna, Bangkok
15 Digital cinema with Blu-O bowling and karaoke and Sub-Zero ice skate rink.
Hatyai Cineplex
Hatyai Cineplex is located in the Central Hatyai shopping mall, and is operated by the Major Cineplex Group.
Opened in December 2013 on the fifth floor of the shopping mall, the cineplex includes luxury "Ultra Screen" cinemas, with reclining seats, and 4DX Theater. The tenth cinema used to be IMAX theater.
Opened in April 2015 on the fourth floor of the shopping mall, the cineplex includes the AEON Theater @ Quartier the Thailand first and luxury cinema screened by laser projector system. The formally named SCB First Screen is the fourth location of Major Cineplex Dolby Atmos theater with RealD XL screening system. And the TRUE Screen X, the Asean first of Screen X system powered by 9 projectors and 3 screens around the theater.
Opened in August 2015 on the fourth–fifth floor of the shopping mall, the cineplex includes the Ultra Screen, fifth location of Major Cineplex Dolby Atmos theater with RealD 3D screening system, the 4DX with all new 13-types effect, Kids Cinema, the 2 cinema halls for kids by adaption the concept from EGV Kids Cinemas @ Future Park Rangsit, and 6 digital cinema halls.
ICON Cineconic
The seventeenth installment of Major Cineplex chain, exclusively built in Iconsiam Bangkok shopping mall in 2018. It is said to be a Thailand first interracial standard concept and Thailand first laserplex. With 14 screens and 3,000 seats, ICON Cineconic cinemas are including The Iconic IMAX Theater-the first IMAX with Laser theater in Thailand that equipped by IMAX-Barco 2nd generation laser projector (the Commercial Laser; CoLa) and 12.1 channel IMAX nXos sound system, The Iconic VIP Screen-the 6 star theater, Cineconic Kids Cinema, Cineconic Living Cinema-a cinema-themed with living room concept that provide for group rental or event rental first, the Iconic 4DX theater, and 9 digital cinemas that equipped with laser projection system.
Eastville Cineplex
Located in Central Eastville shopping mall. Designed in English Garden cinema concept and provide the first eco-cineplex that belong to "Green Ville" concepts of shopping mall.
Diana Cineplex
Located in Diana Hat Yai shopping mall in Songkla. Designed in Movie Relaxation theme.
Ayutthaya City Park Cineplex
Located in Ayutthaya City Park shopping mall in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Designed in Movie Relaxation theme.
Located in Blúport shopping mall in Huahin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Designed in Resort theme belong to shopping mall theme.
Seacon Cineplex
Located in Season Square Srinagarinda shopping mall. Designed in Resort theme.
Si Racha Cineplex
Located in Central Si Racha shopping mall in Si Racha, Chonburi. Designed in Digital Oasis theme.
Chanthaburi Cineplex
Located in Central Chanthaburi shopping mall in Chanthaburi. Designed in Digital Oasis theme.
Westville Cineplex
Located in Central Westville shopping mall in Nonthaburi. It is to be first cinema hall that designed for low carbon and sustainability design. All materials used for decorate are recycled materials.
Bangkapi Cineplex
Located in The Mall Lifestore Bangkapi shopping mall in Bangkapi
Major Hollywood
Major Hollywood is a small chain of cinemas in suburban Bangkok.
There are 3 types of auditoriums. First, 8 Standard auditoriums with total 1713 seats.Second, 1 auditorium named Major Hollywood's "Sweet" cinemas are fitted with couches and are designed for couples provided only 56 seats.Third,1 auditorium named Major Hollywood's "Star" cinemas are small screening rooms fitted with thickly padded reclining seats, with tableside food-and-beverage service provided only 30 v.i.p. seats.There are also bowling alley and karaoke rooms.
Three-story complex has a shopping arcade, snack shops, 18-lane bowling alley and karaoke facilities. There are also "Sweet" and "Star" v.i.p auditoriums.All standard auditoriums has leg-space up to 1.5 meter with new style comfortable seat.
U Hollywood
N/A
Phahonyothin Rd. opposite Central Lat Proa Shopping Mall.6th floor on Union Mall Shopping Complex.
The world class eco-cinema concept opening in 14 Jan 2012 Thailand Children's Day.
SF Cinema is one of the brand names of SF Group. SF Cinema, dubbed SFC is targeted at middle-class families and teenagers. Its location is designed under the theme of Orange and White in relation to its logo and corporate identity system.[7]
The company's first multiplex branch, opened in 1999 under the theme "Movie Planet". Also has VIP cinema, bowling alley, karaoke; at Skytrain's National Stadium station. Has digital capability. Currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation program.
Facility to be expanded to up to 12 screens. There is also a bowling alley at the complex. The cinema is being promoted as "High Class Luxury Cinema Experience". Renovated facility opened in October 2007.
SF World Cinema is SF Group's flagship cinema location. It is located within CentralWorld in Bangkok. It caters to a top-end level of customers with services under the concept of "personalized touch" for every type of customers. Opened in January 2007 with a total of 15 screens and 4,121 seats, it is the flagship branch of the SF chain. The cinema is a venue for film premieres and festivals. Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre is adjacent. The cinema also houses a number of digital projectors. The cinema has re-opened in October 2010 after undergoing extreme renovation due to the 2010 Red Shirt Protest and the following mass arson causing the CentralWorld mall to be engulfed in flames.
The First Class cinemas at SF World offers seating with motorized recline, pre-show buffet, cocktail reception, five-star service and unlimited popcorn and drinks in the cinema.
The cinema is tastefully decorated in a vibrant color scheme to serve the needs of families. The cinema offers three types of seating ranging from day beds, lazy chairs and bean bags. Family films and animations are regularly played in this auditorium.
The World Max Screen is SF Group's largest theatre boasting over 900 seats. It is the third largest cinema in Thailand behind Siam Pavalai and Scala.
SFX Cinemas
SFX Cinemas is SF Group's premium brand of cinemas. The cinemas are tastefully decorated and offer a higher-end level of premium services and an array of latest technologies in cinema presentation such as First Class seating and Dolby three-way sound.
Opened in November 2008. The complex is slated to be Thailand's first all-digital cinema. The complex also houses one First Class Cinema, in the concept of "Exotica Cinema".
One of the six branches with Zigma Cinestadium, a dual-4K projection and Dolby Atmos theater. The other five are at CentralWorld, Central Lat Phrao, The Crystal Ekamai-Ramintra, The Mall Ngamwongwan and Maya Chiang Mai.[8]
SFX Maya Chiang Mai
10
Maya Chiang Mai
Opened January 2019.
SFX Crystal Veranda
8
Crystal Veranda
SFX Nakhon Ratchasima
9
Central Korat
Opened November 2017.
SFX Pattaya 2
7
Terminal 21 Pattaya
Opened December 2018.
SFX Ngamwongwan
10
1934
The Mall Lifestore Ngamwongwan
A former APEX/The Mall Multiplex theater prior to 2001 and SF Cinema theater brand.
Emprive Cineclub
Emprive Cineclub is SF Group's exclusive brand of cinemas. It is located within The Emporium, in Bangkok. It caters to a top-end level of customers with services under the concept of "exclusive cinema experience" for top-end type of customers. Opened in February 2015 with a total of 5 screens and 1,200 seats, it is the luxurious branch of the SF chain.
In second major remodeling of the top floors of The Emporium shopping complex, this branch was converted into luxurious format and bundled with 2 Dolby Atmos theater and its screening by Sony Digital Cinema system. It's formerly a United Artists theater and a SFX Cinema theater.
Has English-soundtrack movies. Vista 1-4 are older screens with only normal seating available. Vista 5-7 are newer screens comparable to Major Cineplex CentralPlaza Chiang Mai Airport. and Later improved to Major Cineplex Central Kadsuankeaw 6 Cinemas
House is a boutique art film cinema on the third floor of the UMG RCA cinema in Bangkok. It opened in 2004. All films have English and Thai subtitles. The cinema has a café and a library lounge, where books and magazines about cinema can be browsed. House sometimes hosts special events and movie-preview parties. The ticket price for all seats is 100 baht.
House RCA closed on August 31, 2019 and later moved to Samyan Mitrtown.
AIS Play House 3 has a 35mm film projector for special screenings and House 5 is a Dolby Digital cinema. Ticket prices for non-member is at 160 baht and 140 baht for members.
66 Charoen Krung Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon
Sala Chalermkrung is Bangkok's oldest cinema and was the first air-conditioned theater in Thailand. Built on the order of King Prajadhipok and named by him, it was opened on July 2, 1933. It is the only theater from the first "golden age" of Thai cinema still standing. No longer regularly showing movies, the theater has been renovated and is principally used for Thai dance performances.
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