Going to the Cinema in Bangkok: Theatres, Original-Language Screenings, Prices

Going to the cinema is a very popular outing in Bangkok: the theatres are air-conditioned, often inside shopping malls, and it is a good idea for a rainy or scorching afternoon. For a traveller the questions are simple: where to go, how to tell whether a film is in the original language, how to book and what to expect in the theatre. This guide answers them and flags local customs, including the royal anthem before the show. Prices and programmes change constantly: we give no precise fare, so check the cinemas' websites or apps on the day.

Where to watch a film: the main chains

Hall of the Siam Paragon shopping centre

Most theatres are in shopping centres served by the BTS:

Major Cineplex: the country's biggest chain, present in many of the capital's malls.
SF Cinema (including SF World Cinema at CentralWorld, in the heart of Siam): another major chain, with premium rooms.
Paragon Cineplex: in Siam Paragon, one of the best-known complexes in the Siam area.
Arthouse venues: independent or classic films at a few smaller places, including cultural and university spaces. Check their programme before travelling.

The Siam and Pathumwan area has several complexes close to one another.

Original language or dubbed?

For foreign films, theatres generally offer two kinds of screening: a Thai-dubbed version and an original-language version with Thai subtitles ("EN/TH" or "soundtrack" on the listings). In the original version, the subtitles are in Thai, not your language. For an English-language film, choose the original-version screening.

For Thai films, English subtitles are not systematic: some screenings are subtitled, others not. For Asian or European films, the original language is normally kept with Thai subtitles. Always look for the "soundtrack", "sub" and "dub" notes in the programme.

Prices and premium rooms

Fares vary by chain, day, time and seat category. Weekday and early-day screenings are often cheaper. Premium rooms (reclining seats, drink and meal service, sometimes lounges) cost noticeably more than standard rooms and are pleasant for a long film. IMAX and 4DX formats exist in some theatres. Check prices online on the day; we don't give them here.

Booking

Online or via app: the chains have websites and apps where you pick your seat; the language is sometimes Thai only, but English is often available.
At the box office: possible in every complex, with seat choice on a plan.
For a first screening, arrive 15 to 20 minutes early: there are trailers and adverts.

The royal anthem and theatre etiquette

Before some screenings a tribute to the king is shown and the audience stands: do as the others do, it is a mark of respect. The attitude is the same as elsewhere in Thailand, see etiquette in Bangkok. The theatres are very air-conditioned: bring a jacket. Switch off your phone. Hot food and popcorn are bought at the cinema counter; outside food is generally refused.

Thai films and events

Thai cinema has a long tradition: comedies, horror films, romances, action films. To see films of the city, see also films and series shot in Bangkok. Several film festivals take place in Bangkok during the year; check the year's dates on the spot.