Mr. Vicha Poolvaraluk, the founder of the company built a first standalone “Cineplex” in 1995, with 7-10 floors
From the beginning, theaters in Cineplex started for the first time in Thailand in 1995 by Khun Vicha Poolvaraluk was in a standalone format, constructed on land with long-term lease agreement of 20-30 years, in a form of 7-10 storeys building incorporating theaters and entertainment complex and rental space for various forms of stores, serving audiences with flavours of both the number of assorted movies and numerous stores and restaurants to be selected. A total of 5 branches was opened for services, namely, Pinklao (the first branch of Thailand), Sukhumvit, Ratchayothin, Rangsit and Esplanade Ngamwongwan-Kae Rai.
Apart from standalone theaters the Company expanded 3 more formats of branches as follows:
- Department store
- Mall lifestyle trade center
- Large retail store
Which was another option of the Companys branch format development, i.e. providing theater and bowling services and being main lessee in large retail departments. Such format was much successful in upcountry because these large retail departments were not only expenditure sources of country men, but also were meeting points as well as recreation places for families. The Company cooperated with two large retail departments, namely, Tesco Lotus and Bic C Supercenter.
The Company currently held market share of over 70 per cent of the film industry in Thailand as a result of its merging with EGV Entertainment PCL in 2004, when the market share was at approximately 23 per cent, and branches were expanded continuously.
The company operated 12 brands:
- Major Cineplex
- Mega Cineplex
- EGV Cinema
- Quatier CineArt
- Paragon Cineplex
- Icon Cineplex
- Esplanade Cineplex
- Cineplex
- Paradise Cineplex
- Hat Yai Cineplex
- Westgate Cineplex
- Major Cinema
The Company had a total of 180 branches, 838 theaters in Thailand and abroad, accommodating 186,221 seats of audiences. Since the number of theaters per population in Thailand was still at a low level the Company had a plan to expand 30-40 more theaters each year to support population growth to cover all areas of the country.
Theaters under Major Cineplex emphasized on serving clients at all levels with modernized theaters in various forms, screening in RealD, 2D, 3D, 4DX, IMAX, Screen X format and quality audio system. New technologies, such as IMAX VR, were introduced for services, which was deemed the first advanced technology of Southeast Asia to give new experiences to clients.
The Company emphasized on expanding branches all over the country to enable clients to have a touch of diversities of theaters in various forms. The Company, therefore, focused on decorating each branch with different appearances using international design of highly popular places all over the world for theater internal decoration for audiences to feel a touch of beauty thereof. For premium clients, the Company designed and decorated six-star level theaters to respond to superior lifestyle at Paragon Cineplex theater, such as Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Screen, a new boutique lifestyle entertainment to create different experiences and respond to requirements of hi-end clients with a lifestyle preferring convenience and privacy in watching cinema in full function. Clients making use of services of said theater would receive special personal services at Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge, decorated with smartest ambience with snacks and drinks before watching the movie, including the first spa service in theatre in Thailand. The theatre was equipped with reclinable real leather cushions and pillow and blanket for every seat. Moreover, Paragon Cineplex provided Enigma the Shadow Scree” theater, another innovation exclusively for members only equipped with special lounge with full bar services and luxurious theater with 33 exclusive seats perfect for private parties. That was not only welcomed by VIP clients and corporate customers. I 2019 the Company opened E-Sport Cinema for those who preferred online games because E-sport market in Thailand tended to grow, and opened new trend of movie watching experiences of the future which perfectly blended top advanced technologies with arts, and ready to respond to requirements of new generation clients who preferred modern technologies of the future at Icon Cineconic theater, starting from:
- Purchasing tickets via Smart Ticket Scan and Go through 2 channels, by using mobile phone to purchase tickets via Major Movie Plus application and scan the QR Code obtained from the system at the Smart Ticket machine in front of the theater entrance, or purchasing via E-Ticketing, as there would be QR Code in every ticket which could be scanned at the Smart Ticket machine as well, thus responding to lifestyle of new generation people who prefer ease, convenience and speediness.
- Newest Laserplex system for all theaters to screen with Laser Projector which developed the screening another step further and would project 3 times clearer and more realistic images than before.
- The 4K system was first introduced at the 6th Paragon Cineplex theater. It was not only the newest and perfect screening system equipped with the best surround audio system, the light system from the screen also enabled the theater to be used for organization of numerous activities, not merely for movie screening purpose e.g., lighted seminar in theater where light could be fully turn on without reducing clearness and brightness on the screen. This innovation was suitable for presentation or as tutor for kid examination. In addition, it could be used as convention center supporting new form of marketing activities in theater not possible for normal theater to organize, such as fashion show, studio, concert and sports live broadcasting concurrently with activities participated by the audiences, or E-sports competition without problem of insufficient light while screening. Films to be shown would be Hollywood blockbuster in new format, such as HDR 4K.
- IMAX theater would be special with IMAX screening projector supporting High Frame Rate screening supporting films produced in this system in the future. The pictures would be smoother in scenes with rapid movements, reducing the blur. These perfections would enhance experiences for movie lovers.
- 4DX theater at Paragon Cineplex was a technology and innovation of the movie world which would give clients movie experiences in every aspect, including image, light, color, sound, touch and smell as well as special chars with up to 24 effects and 3-D digital screening system, and latest, exclusively at Icon Cineconic, with fog storm effect. It was the first time when 4DX theater came with laser screen system providing bright colors more beautiful than existing projectors the audiences could feel. The pictures would be brighter enabling details to be clearly visible even in dark scenes such as night scenes or in the forest. Latest model of JBL speakers also be installed, which reduced dead spots of sound in the theater, giving clear sound covering all seats wherever you were in the theater.
- ICONIC Dine in Cinema opened most special experience in leisurely watching movie on VIP Opera Chair at the hindmost row, provided with special set menu from popular restaurant, convenient with special shelf to place foods and drinks on, for you to enjoy the movie as if you were watching it at home, equipped with a button to obtain services from personnel in the theater privately.
- Living Room Theater providing private movie watching ambience as if you were watching the movie at home with your close friends, enjoying private party atmosphere with favorite movies to select, together with premium services in private area of Exclusive Lounge served with assorted foods and drinks in first-class menus from popular restaurant.
- Popcorn Bar where you could enjoy the diversity of topping flavors for you to select at your choice. Thai-flavored popcorns were also available.
The Company had a policy to expand theater branches overseas to support the opening of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and co-invested with juristic persons in foreign countries where the Company envisaged opportunities for growth, in the name of Major Holding International Co., Ltd. (associate company), which was established to operate theater, bowling and other businesses of the Company.
Major Platinum Cineplex (Cambodia) Co., Ltd.
The first country the Company invested in theater was in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, by co-investing with a juristic person registered in Cambodia, opening 7 “Major Cineplex” screens of world-class luxury cinemas, and 13 bowling lanes (in 2014), located at Aeon Mall, Phnom Penh, as the first branch on an area of 4,450 sq. m., comprising 7 screens, 1,581 seats, being multiplex screens of 2D and 3D systems, 1 theater for VIP screen and 1 4DX theater, which were warmly welcomed and caused the Company to envisage opportunity for expansion and opened 3 screens, 457 seats, at Siem Reap (November 2017), 6 screens, 807 seats at Sorya, Phnom Penh (December 2017), and 8 screens, 1,953 seats at Aeon Mall 2, on an area of 9,200 sq. m., using latest technology screened with the first laser projector in Southeast Asia, and 14 bowling lanes (May 2019), and 2 screens, 419 seats at Big C Poipet (October 2019), which was the first Big C branch in Cambodia, on an area of 8,000 sq. m. divided into 3,000 sq. m. for sale, and 5,000 sq. m. of rental space/theaters. In December 2022, opened 7 Major Cineplex theaters 1,841 seats, AEON Mall 3 branch, Cambodia.
Major Platinum Cineplex (Laos) Co., Ltd.
Co-invested with a juristic person registered in Lao PDR to open 5 screens, 1,148 seats (July 2015) under “Major Platinum Cineplex” brand at Vientiane Center, Vientiane, Lao PDR, and 4 screens, 843 seats at ITEC Mall, Vientiane (January 2019).
Cineplex (Laos) Sole Co., Ltd.
Being a subsidiary company of Major Holding International Co., Ltd. (the Company’s subsidiary company), registered in Lao PDR, with investment value of 1,000,000,000 LAK (at a par vale of 10,000 LAK/share) or approximately 4,300,000 Baht (exchange rate 1 Baht : 0.0043 LAK as at May 2016), to open cinema with 4 screens, 1,087 seats at Friendship Mall, Pakse, Champasak, Lao PDR, which caused the Company to become the sole major theater service provider in Lao PDR.
Domestic Branch
Branch | Screens | Seats |
---|---|---|
Major Rangsit | 16 | 3,270 |
Ngamwongwan-Kharai | 16 | 3,911 |
Siam Paragon | 16 | 4,274 |
Mega Bangna | 15 | 3,250 |
Ratchayothin | 15 | 3,543 |
Iconsiam | 13 | 2,647 |
Central Westgate | 12 | 2,251 |
Esplanade | 12 | 2,418 |
Seacon | 12 | 2,777 |
Central Pinklao | 11 | 1,804 |
Bangkae - Seacon | 10 | 1,877 |
Bangkapi | 10 | 2,205 |
Bangna | 10 | 1,954 |
Central Chiangmai 2 | 10 | 2,435 |
Central Hatyai | 10 | 2,361 |
Future Rangsit | 10 | 1,615 |
Korat | 10 | 2,549 |
Rama 11 | 9 | 1,607 |
Rama 11 1 | 9 | 2,509 |
Samrong | 8 | 1,388 |
Central East Ville | 8 | 1,128 |
Central Rayong | 8 | 1,487 |
Paradise Park | 8 | 1,550 |
Pattaya | 8 | 1,748 |
Promanade | 8 | 1,787 |
Quartier Cineart | 8 | 1,349 |
Sukhumvit | 8 | 1,749 |
Udonthani | 8 | 2,117 |
Central Ubon | 7 | 1,566 |
Chaingmai | 7 | 1,849 |
Fashion Island | 7 | 1,511 |
Sahathai Suratthani | 7 | 1,408 |
Lotus Bangyai | 6 | 1,532 |
Gateway Bangsue | 6 | 1,410 |
Ayutthaya City Park | 6 | 1,233 |
Bluport | 6 | 1,198 |
Lotus Suratthani | 6 | 1,298 |
Petkhasem | 6 | 1,690 |
Robinson Saraburi | 6 | 1,317 |
Samsen | 6 | 1,475 |
Amatanakorn | 5 | 1,264 |
Aomyai | 5 | 1,177 |
Big C Burirum | 5 | 1,311 |
Big C Lopburi | 5 | 1,088 |
Big C Roi-Et | 5 | 1,234 |
Big C Chanthaburi | 5 | 1,280 |
Big C Mahachai | 5 | 1,097 |
Central Pitsanulok | 5 | 1,169 |
Chacheangsao | 5 | 1,636 |
Nonthaburi | 5 | 634 |
Central Sriracha | 5 | 928 |
Major Pinklao | 5 | 1,372 |
Chiangrai | 5 | 1,231 |
Diana Hatyai | 5 | 1,069 |
Lotus Khonkaen | 5 | 1,206 |
Big C Pathumthani | 5 | 1,300 |
Robinson Phetchaburi | 5 | 1,046 |
Lotus Khon Kaen Patunum | 5 | 1,041 |
Lotus Songkla | 5 | 1,243 |
Lotus Srinakarin | 5 | 1,210 |
Branch | Screens | Seats |
---|---|---|
Lotus-Baan pong | 5 | 1,436 |
Nakronsawan | 5 | 1,098 |
Robinson Samutprakan | 5 | 1,165 |
Salaya | 5 | 964 |
Ocean Chumporn | 5 | 905 |
Robinson Ladkrabang | 5 | 876 |
Central Chanthaburi | 5 | 970 |
Ayutthaya | 4 | 1,248 |
Big C Lampang | 4 | 866 |
Big C Ratchaburi | 4 | 948 |
Big C Suksawat | 4 | 912 |
Big C Suphanburi | 4 | 1,068 |
Big C Udonthani | 4 | 844 |
Chonburi | 4 | 1,017 |
Hua Hin | 4 | 1,383 |
Jampha Lamphun | 4 | 1,092 |
Kampaengphet | 4 | 965 |
Krabi | 4 | 1,089 |
Lotus Nakhonsrithammarat | 4 | 876 |
Lotus Nakonpathom | 4 | 897 |
Lotus Nakornsawan | 4 | 668 |
Lotus Nongbualumphu | 4 | 994 |
Lotus Suphanburi | 4 | 870 |
Lotus Navanakom | 4 | 1,194 |
Nakornsrithammarat | 4 | 971 |
Petchaboon | 4 | 1,098 |
Pitsanulok | 4 | 1,016 |
Robinson Mukdahan | 4 | 1,016 |
Robinson Roi Et | 4 | 916 |
Robinson Sakonnakhon | 4 | 856 |
Saraburi | 4 | 1,064 |
Siracha | 4 | 1,181 |
Thanyaburi | 4 | 976 |
The Sky Ayutthaya | 4 | 951 |
Big C Korat 2 | 4 | 980 |
Robinson Kamphaengphet | 4 | 753 |
Big C Chiangrai | 4 | 1,050 |
TMK Kanchanaburi | 4 | 910 |
Surin Plaza | 4 | 728 |
Robinson Ratchapruk | 4 | 770 |
Lotus Klaeng | 3 | 975 |
Lotus Maesod | 3 | 888 |
Big C Ranong | 3 | 694 |
Central Samui | 3 | 672 |
Markfour Plaza Prae | 3 | 620 |
EGV Big C Lamphun | 3 | 738 |
Lotus Nadee | 3 | 669 |
Lotus Satun | 3 | 707 |
Phangnga | 3 | 634 |
Phayao | 3 | 652 |
Samui | 3 | 870 |
Lotus Tha Thong | 3 | 490 |
Sahathai Thung Song | 3 | 607 |
Lotus Phatthalung | 3 | 429 |
Sripong Park Uttaradit | 3 | 593 |
Tops Phichit | 3 | 625 |
Big C Sattahip | 3 | 791 |
Lotus Rama 2 | 3 | 765 |
Big C Pak Chong | 3 | 765 |
Chaisaeng Singburi | 3 | 745 |
Branch | Screens | Seats |
---|---|---|
Robinson Chaiyaphum | 3 | 707 |
Lotus Bangpakok | 3 | 777 |
Big C Bowin | 3 | 759 |
Lotus Chana | 2 | 456 |
Lotus Phayakkaphum | 2 | 398 |
Lotus Phimai | 2 | 377 |
Lotus Prachuap | 2 | 192 |
Lotus Samphran | 2 | 414 |
Big C Sichon | 2 | 456 |
Big C Banphai | 2 | 546 |
Big C Nakhonphanom | 2 | 616 |
Big C Nan | 2 | 498 |
Big C Prachinburi | 2 | 616 |
Big C Samutprakarn | 2 | 348 |
Lotus Phon Khonkaen | 2 | 316 |
Lotus Ban Suan | 2 | 348 |
Lotus Map Ta Phut | 2 | 399 |
Lotus Angthong | 2 | 465 |
Lotus Dej Udom | 2 | 331 |
Lotus Yasothon | 2 | 346 |
Big C Chaiyaphum | 2 | 277 |
Lotus Saraburi | 2 | 386 |
Lotus U-Thong | 2 | 344 |
Lotus Kamphaengsaen | 2 | 286 |
Lotus Piboon Mang Sar Harn | 2 | 276 |
Lotus Khoksamrong | 2 | 292 |
Lotus Si Sa Ket | 2 | 311 |
Lotus Ratchaburi | 2 | 320 |
Asawann Nongkhai | 2 | 580 |
Lotus Uttaradit | 2 | 234 |
Lotus Pichit | 2 | 348 |
Big C Sukhothai | 2 | 431 |
Big C Mahachai2 | 2 | 420 |
Lotus Bangkadi | 2 | 394 |
Lotus Hadyai | 2 | 291 |
Lotus Payao | 2 | 487 |
Lotus Samutprakarn | 2 | 364 |
Big C Bandung Udonthani | 1 | 204 |
Lotus Sukhothai | 1 | 96 |
Lotus Chomthong | 1 | 207 |
Big C Dan Khun Thot | 1 | 204 |
Big C Tha Ta Koh | 1 | 204 |
Big C Wang Nam Yen | 1 | 224 |
Big C Suwannaphum Roi Et | 1 | 204 |
Big C Namyuen Ubonrachathani | 1 | 194 |
Big C Nongki | 1 | 205 |
Big C Wichienburi | 1 | 204 |
Big C Nong Bua | 1 | 205 |
Big C Ladyao | 1 | 205 |
Big C Phang Khon | 1 | 205 |
Big C Kham Ta Kla | 1 | 205 |
International Branch
Branch | Screens | Seats |
---|---|---|
Aeon Mall - Cambodia | 7 | 1,581 |
Vientiane Center - Laos | 5 | 1,148 |
Pakse - Laos | 4 | 1,087 |
Sorya Phnom Penh - Cambodia | 6 | 807 |
Platinum Siem Reap - Cambodia | 3 | 457 |
Aeon Mall 2 - Cambodia | 8 | 1,953 |
Big C Poipet - Cambodia | 2 | 419 |
ITECC Vientiane - Laos | 4 | 843 |
Aeon Ma113 - Cambodia | 7 | 1,841 |
Total | 838 | 186,221 |