April 25 2004

Major Cineplex price hike imminent

Though they always deny it, struggling Thai businesses normally react by upping their prices rather than their competitiveness. Every message board in Thailand is cluttered with nightlife-related postings from outraged farangs who think that they are the first person to point this out.

However, I've never heard the explanation couched in such fine terms as those used by the Bangkok Post's business staff, reporting the 20 baht per ticket price hike planned by the Major Cineplex Group.

Major CEO Vicha Poolvaraluck yesterday hinted at the price rise while denying that it was motivated by the company's desire to generate more cash to compensate for a recent slowdown in the cinema business.

By committing these words to memory we can, together, raise the level of farang debate taking place every night on the shabby velvet bench-seats of the nation's go-go bars.

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[Posted to TV/Movies by David]

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Readers' comments

Sir Greg says:

Twenty baht, huh? I guess that's not too much. I nearly fell over at Xmas back home when I paid $14 to see Return of the King. I always say that movie theatres in Thailand are one of a very few things that have the same standard of quality as they do back home. I realize that 20B isn't chump change to a lot of Thais but I think it's fair. However - this price increase should stand for the next few years at least. Now if they could just get some good goddamn snacks at the concesion...

April 27, 2004 5:26 PM

Rick H. says:

I like they way the Thais stand up in reverence to the King of Thailand before the film starts. Just like seeing the passing girls stop and kneel quietly in prayer to every small Buddah shrine, which are perpetually maintained with with fresh cut flowers and colorful drinks as offerings.

It's these little things which, for me, make Thailand one of the most unique places on the planet.

May 28, 2004 1:53 AM

brad pit says:

I would gladly pay an extra 100 baht if they would occasionally show a decent flick. 400+ screens in greater Bkk & all they show is shite.

August 29, 2004 11:03 PM

kdub says:

The coldest winter I ever experienced was a 2 hour movie in Phuket. The Thai people actually bring jackets with them! Turn down the AC!!!

August 30, 2004 11:07 AM

kenstory says:

They could also turn down the sound levels, I'll bring ear plugs next time I go to a Major Cineplex.

The best experience, and price, is at Scala imo.

May 9, 2006 7:33 PM

phil H says:

If they turned down the sound level you'd hear sod all of the first fifteen minutes over the munching, crunching and rustling as the Thai audience eats it's way through a veritable mountain of snacks.

But, yes for Christ's sake turn down the friggin' AC. Wandering around Pattaya one day with bugger all to do I went to the Cineplex at Big C. All I was wearing was tee shirt, shorts and sandals. Bluddy near froze to death!

July 17, 2006 1:03 PM

Andy says:

Last time I went to the flix here I was deaf for four days afterwards. Its the only time that a war film has ever been louder than an actual fucking war! I think I have post-combat stress disorder and "shell-shock!"

July 17, 2006 7:43 PM

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