Major Cineplex Reports Positive Outlook Amid Expansion Plans
Thailand's leading cinema operator anticipates growth with new openings and strong film lineups.
Major Cineplex Group, the largest cinema operator in Thailand and listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), has expressed optimism regarding the cinema industry’s recovery and growth trajectory.
The company plans to open four to five new cinemas across various provinces this year, capitalizing on an expected influx of popular films.
Chief Marketing Officer Narute Jiensnong highlighted that the second and third quarters of 2023 will benefit from a substantial return of Hollywood films, with upcoming releases including 'A Minecraft Movie,' 'Thunderbolts,' 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,' 'How to Train Your Dragon,' and 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps.' The anticipated arrival of these major titles is expected to draw audiences back to theaters.
Further supporting this positive outlook is the strength of the Thai film industry, which has shown resilience and growth in recent years.
Jiensnong noted that the success of past Thai films has led to increased confidence among studios, resulting in higher investment and production budgets.
Notable Thai films set for release include 'Death Whisperer: Tee Yod 3' and a sequel to 'The Undertaker.' Last year, the company reported that Thai films comprised approximately 65% of total ticket sales, and local titles are projected to represent up to 50% of ticket sales by 2025.
The company forecasts ticket sales to reach 40 million this year, which would exceed pre-pandemic levels, with a worst-case scenario estimating 36 million tickets sold, aligning with pre-COVID figures.
As of the end of last year, Major Cineplex operated 187 branches, distributed across 52 locations in Bangkok and surrounding areas, and 126 in other provinces.
The company also has operational branches in Cambodia and Laos, including six locations in Cambodia and three in Laos.
In addition to cinema operations, Major Cineplex has diversified its entertainment offerings by managing 11 branches that include bowling, karaoke, and ice skating.
The company plans to debut a new bowling branch, branded as Blu-O, at AEON Mall Mean Chey in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, this month.
Plans for substantial renovations of existing theaters are also set for the first half of 2025, with recent upgrades completed at Major Rangsit in Pathum Thani and Major Ratchayothin in Bangkok.
Looking ahead, Major Cineplex aims to establish four to five new branches in provincial locations, partnering with major hypermarket chains such as Lotus's and Big C for these developments.
The company plans to open four to five new cinemas across various provinces this year, capitalizing on an expected influx of popular films.
Chief Marketing Officer Narute Jiensnong highlighted that the second and third quarters of 2023 will benefit from a substantial return of Hollywood films, with upcoming releases including 'A Minecraft Movie,' 'Thunderbolts,' 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,' 'How to Train Your Dragon,' and 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps.' The anticipated arrival of these major titles is expected to draw audiences back to theaters.
Further supporting this positive outlook is the strength of the Thai film industry, which has shown resilience and growth in recent years.
Jiensnong noted that the success of past Thai films has led to increased confidence among studios, resulting in higher investment and production budgets.
Notable Thai films set for release include 'Death Whisperer: Tee Yod 3' and a sequel to 'The Undertaker.' Last year, the company reported that Thai films comprised approximately 65% of total ticket sales, and local titles are projected to represent up to 50% of ticket sales by 2025.
The company forecasts ticket sales to reach 40 million this year, which would exceed pre-pandemic levels, with a worst-case scenario estimating 36 million tickets sold, aligning with pre-COVID figures.
As of the end of last year, Major Cineplex operated 187 branches, distributed across 52 locations in Bangkok and surrounding areas, and 126 in other provinces.
The company also has operational branches in Cambodia and Laos, including six locations in Cambodia and three in Laos.
In addition to cinema operations, Major Cineplex has diversified its entertainment offerings by managing 11 branches that include bowling, karaoke, and ice skating.
The company plans to debut a new bowling branch, branded as Blu-O, at AEON Mall Mean Chey in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, this month.
Plans for substantial renovations of existing theaters are also set for the first half of 2025, with recent upgrades completed at Major Rangsit in Pathum Thani and Major Ratchayothin in Bangkok.
Looking ahead, Major Cineplex aims to establish four to five new branches in provincial locations, partnering with major hypermarket chains such as Lotus's and Big C for these developments.
