THAI THEATERS

Increase or decrease font size for easier reading : A+ A-

There are still many old Thai movies standalone theaters in Bangkok.

The Sala Chaloem Thani standalone theater is located in Bangkok. Thai full name is โรงภาพยนตร์เฉลิมธานี.

Fly there with Google Earth

It is also known as Nang Loeng Cinema. Thai full name is นางเลิ้ง. It was opened in year 1918 and closed in year 1993.

The place is now used as a warehouse in a dilapidated condition.

In year 2013, Philip Jablon, an independent researcher and photographer documenting the last of Southeast Asia's stand-alone cinemas, suggested the reopening of the world's oldest cinema in France should inspire Thailand to relaunch Sala Chaloem Thani theater as Asia's oldest movie theatre.

Sala Chaloem Thani theater is a two storeys wooden building. Let's cross finger that this almost centenary building can continue to escape accidental fires...

People are still living in the very close neighbourhood of Sala Chaloem Thani theater.

Sala Chaloem Thani theater still features an old booth that was selling cinema tickets.

Old pictures from decade 1960 are showing legendary Thai actor Mitr Chaibancha.

Wat Sunthon Thammathan is located in the neighbourhood of Nang Loeng market in Bangkok. Thai full name is วัดสุนทรธรรมทาน.

Fly there with Google Earth

During years 1942-1954, Thai legendary actor Mitr Chaibancha lived with his parents in Nang Loeng area. He attended school there.

Many pictures of Thai actor Mitr Chaibancha can be found in Wat Sunthon Thammathan.

Following his tragic death, pre-cremation rituals were performed in Wat Sunthon Thammathan. The next day following Mitr Chaibancha's death, 100 000 fans flocked to Wat Sunthorn Thammathan to pay their respects.

The BangkokPost called it "The most riotous and trouble-plagued funeral rite in living memory" as people pushed and shoved.

The temple Wat Sunthorn Thammathan was completely damaged due to the huge number of people.

People come annually to Wat Sunthon Thammathan to make merits for Mitr Chaibancha on October 8^th.

Wat Sunthon Thammathan name is a combination of the two main donor's names.

Display panel in both Thai and English explaining Wat Sunthon Thammathan history.

Wat Sunthon Thammathan was once called Wat Khae, presumably meaning "nearby temple", in accord with the dialect of the southern people who lived around.

Wat Sunthon Thammathan is a huge Buddhist temple featuring many buildings with 3-tiered roof and carved gilded lacquer windows and doors.

Some Thai movies collectors come here to pray for Mitr Chaibancha and to hope finding some old lost movies in 16mm format.

Mitr Chaibancha's career lasted 14 years from 1957 to 1970 and he played in more than 300 movies.

Click here to read Mitr Chaibancha's life

Home > Culture > Thai TV / Cinema > Thai Cinema > Thai cinema History > Thai Theaters