Scala to bring the curtain down after 50 years showing movies

[webfact]

Scala to bring the curtain down after 50 years showing movies

By THE NATION

 

Photo by Supanut Arunoprayote

 

The Scala Cinema announced on Thursday (June 4) that it would cease its movie showing operation and would let other businesses rent the theatre for their activities or screening of special films until the land contract expires at the end of 2020.

 

Scala is the last standalone movie theatre in Bangkok, located in Pathumwan district. The 1,000-seat theatre was built in 1969 and was named after Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy. It is owned by Apex Group that used to operate three other standalone theatres in Bangkok -- Sala Chalermthai Theatre was demolished in 1989, Siam Theatre was shut down in 2010 after being damaged in a fire, and Lido Multiplex shut down in 2018 when its contract expired.

 

Scala had earlier announced that it would temporarily close from March 18 until May 31 following the government order to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Among the businesses that were ordered shut were movie theatres, restaurants, massage parlours, fitness centres and others. The restriction was lifted for several businesses, including movie theatres, since June 1.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30389092

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-06-05

 

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[pixelaoffy]

Another Shopping centre on the way.. Thats Bangkok now. Retail shops is the epitomy of Bangkok Culture

[sprq]

This is the perfect place for a downtown live theatre and concert venue. But it just shows Thai priorities and Thai culture that there just wouldn't be enough interest for such a great addition to Bangkok's city centre. It'll be demolished, no doubt, in favour of something retail. Consume, consume, never think.

[watthong]

Ever wonder why there is no open public places in Bangkok? (Sanam Luang is an exception, but it's mostly reserved for ceremonial events.) That is because whatever free place there is the vendor would swoop in and set up shop in a millisecond. Consequently in place of public places we have impromptu flea markets. Cultural, social events happen when scheduled. Otherwise, it's a shop till you drop "culture," if you can call it that.

[phantomfiddler]

Another victim of the elusive and possibly non-existing plague that has destroyed many a meeting place ???? In reality there should be an exact stated existing condition before the word "Pandemic" can be legally used in the media. Bearing in mind that the Black Plague was in the order of 50%, let,s say something like a death rate of 5%, and NOT 0.00008% !!! William Doors must be rubbing his hind legs together with glee on this one !

[Zenwind]

This is sad to hear.  I have been a fan of the Siam Square Apex theaters for many, many years, preferring to see films on their screens rather than in ultra-modern theaters whenever possible.  There were three Apex theaters during my exile in Thailand.  Now there will (probably) be none. 

 

In this decline, the first of these three to go was Siam Theater (one screen), burned out by Red rioters in the troubles of 2010; it was very old but classic.  Lido Multiplex Theater, just down the road, was my great favorite with three screens and a great selection of movies as well as special classic film festivals, but then it had morphed not that long ago into a venue for some kind of chic Happenings other than current movies – although they did have one screen still showing some films just prior to our recent Plague.  Scala Theater was the classiest of them, with vintage decor and an old-time feel, and I hope they can preserve it for other uses. 

 

Please pardon the nostalgia of old guys like me, but we carry a heavy weight of memory.  Memories can be precious, and it’s sad to see them go.  Through the years, I have enjoyed so many wonderful movie experiences at Scala and the other Apex theaters.  Farewell. 

[Anant72]

4 minutes ago, Zenwind said:

Please pardon the nostalgia of old guys like me, but we carry a heavy weight of memory.  Memories can be precious, and it’s sad to see them go.  Through the years, I have enjoyed so many wonderful movie experiences at Scala and the other Apex theaters.  Farewell. 

I feel exactly the same. What angers me is that greedy developers (a pleonasm)  are probably drooling already over this space that will most certainly be filled with another high rise or another useless mall. Another case of TIT (sigh!)!

[Caldera]

That's very sad. I enjoyed their special screenings, always a great atmosphere. I'll miss Scala.

 

[Hanuman2547]

It's not surprising that this day has finally arrived.  I'll definitely miss the old movie house.  I saw a lot of movies there back in the 80's and 90's as well as the other nearby theatres. 

[Burma Bill]

On 6/5/2020 at 10:26 AM, webfact said:

or screening of special films

Say no more!!!

[watthong]

On 6/5/2020 at 6:14 PM, Zenwind said:

Please pardon the nostalgia of old guys like me, but we carry a heavy weight of memory.  Memories can be precious, and it’s sad to see them go.  Through the years, I have enjoyed so many wonderful movie experiences at Scala and the other Apex theaters.  Farewell. 

For guys like you (us):

http://seatheater.blogspot.com/

This blog has ventured off to other parts of Asia, but it started out with Thai theaters so you'll need to go back to the beginning. Wonderful, wonderful history for film buffs.

Edited June 8, 2020 by watthong

[watthong]

[webfact]

Curtain comes down on famous Thai movie theatre next month

 

 

Perhaps the most famous old movie theatre left in Bangkok will bow out on the weekend of July4th/5th. 

 

Scala or better known as La Scala in Siam Square in downtown Bangkok is shutting down after 51 years. 

 

It became known as the "Jewel in the Crown of Siam" and will shut down with special showings amid a blaze of lights in a last round known as "Final Touch of Memory". 

 

Its passing marks the end of an era for the Apex group that previously operated another three iconic theaters in Bangkok -  Chalerm Thai, Siam and Lido.

 

Chalerm Thai shut in 1989, arson during the central Bangkok unrest in 2010 hit the Siam theater and Lido closed in 2018 after its lease expired. 

 

Now the lease is up at La Scala too.

 

It was unable to continue due to the property boom in the Siam Square area and its closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic was the final nail in the coffin. 

 

Source: Daily News

 

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2020-06-24

 

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[yellowboat]

I cannot count how many movies I saw there.  What a shame.  The decharminization of Bangkok continues.  

Edited June 24, 2020 by yellowboat

[Jane Dough]

1 hour ago, yellowboat said:

I cannot count how many movies I saw there.  What a shame.  The decharminization of Bangkok continues.  

Me too. I shall write about it in The Week That Was on Sunday should you care to read that.

 

Rooster

[Takman]

That is really sad.  I used to love turning the corner to see what incredible handmade banners, models, full-sized tanks, monster-sized Superman, alien or space ship that they would have parked out front or strung above the parking lot on cables.  Back in the days of "sound rooms" for the non-dubbed versions.