The epic movies stirred movie-goers' appetite to go to the cinema, and they bought more than Bt520 million in tickets. Thai comedy sequel "Bodyguard 2" also took in more than Bt100 million. These Thai blockbusters helped cinemas sell more tickets than last year despite the current economic and political uncertainty.

"It's a very good year for the cinema business," said chairman and CEO Vicha Poolvaraluck. "The growth of the cinema business in the first quarter has been driven by a strong line-up of Thai films, generating up to 50 per cent of total ticket sales."

Vicha said Major Cineplex expected its ticket sales to grow at least 30 per cent this year, while the total cinema industry is expected to enjoy strong double-digit growth.

Apart from cinema operations, the group's total first-quarter revenues, including those contributed by other entertainment magnets like bowling alleys, karaoke parlours and fitness centres, grew 40.71 per cent to Bt1.59 billion, from Bt1.13 billion last year. Its first-quarter net profit this year also increased 34.93 per cent to Bt197 million, from Bt146 million last year.

Major now controls 75 per cent of the local cinema industry. Vicha said the group expected its total revenues, including sales of movie tickets and other entertainment and lifestyle businesses, to reach Bt6.5 billion to Bt7 billion this year, which would represent an increase of about 27-37 per cent from last year's Bt5.1 billion.

The group will also spend Bt600 million to Bt700 million this year to expand and renovate its multiplex cinemas. New cinema complexes will be opened this year in Chon Buri, Pattaya and Ayutthaya. The company will also conduct major renovations of existing complexes in its Imperial Samrong and Ratchayothin branches.

"We've seen also a strong line-up of Hollywood blockbusters in the second quarter, including 'Spider-Man 3', 'Pirates of the Caribbean 3', 'Fantastic Four 2' and 'Transformer'. 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' will also hit local theatres in July," said Vicha.

He said about 155 Hollywood blockbusters and 40 Thai films would be screened in the local cinemas this year.

Vicha said this was much better than last year, when Major Cineplex recorded only 9-per-cent growth in ticket sales, against flat growth in the total cinema industry.

Vicha said next year would be the right time for the comeback of standalone entertainment complexes, which combine theatres and other entertainment magnets in one place.

"The recent opening of our Esplanade standalone entertainment complex on Ratchadaphisek Road is successful proof that there's still strong demand for such entertainment complexes in the market," said Vicha, adding that almost 30 per cent of visitors at The Esplanade were new customers.

Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn

The Nation