Major Cineplex Group, the leading movie theater operator in Thailand, is highly optimistic about the future of the cinema industry. With a lineup of Thai blockbusters and popular Hollywood films set to premiere, the company plans to open 4–5 new cinemas this year.
Narute Jiensnong, Chief Marketing Officer at Major Cineplex, said business is expected to gain momentum in the second and third quarters, driven by the steady return of Hollywood films and a strong lineup of major blockbusters hitting the big screen.
The lineup for the upcoming quarters includes Hollywood titles such as “A Minecraft Movie,” “Thunderbolts,” “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
“These blockbuster movies will attract moviegoers to the theatres,” said Mr. Narute.
He also noted the strong performance of the Thai film industry, which is expected to maintain its momentum this year thanks to successful franchises and sequels.
Past successes have given studios the confidence to increase their investments and production budgets, potentially leading to higher-quality films and more box office hits.
This year, audiences can look forward to new releases such as “Death Whisperer: Tee Yod 3” and a sequel to “The Undertaker.”
Last year, Thai films accounted for 65% of the company’s total ticket sales.
Mr. Narute expects Thai films to continue thriving, projecting that local titles could represent up to 50% of total ticket sales in 2025.
He emphasized the competitive advantage of cinemas, calling them the most affordable form of out-of-home entertainment on the market.
Major Cineplex aims to sell 40 million tickets this year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
In a less favorable scenario, the company expects ticket sales to reach around 36 million—on par with pre-Covid numbers.
By the end of last year, Major operated 187 branches, including theaters in Bangkok and its surrounding areas, other Thai provinces, Cambodia, and Laos.
The company also manages 11 entertainment centers featuring bowling, karaoke, and ice skating, with locations in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
This month, Mr. Narute announced plans to open a new Blu-O bowling branch at AEON Mall Mean Chey in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Major also plans to focus on major renovations of existing theaters during the first half of 2025.
Renovations have already been completed at Major Rangsit in Pathum Thani and Major Ratchayothin in Bangkok.
In the second half of the year, the company plans to open 4–5 new branches in various provinces.
According to Mr. Narute, these new locations are expected to be developed in collaboration with leading hypermarket chains such as Lotus’s and Big C.
