Major Cineplex
A Thai cinema and entertainment operator that developed the country's large-scale multiplex and integrated entertainment-complex model.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
Major Cineplex is a Thai cinema and entertainment company headquartered in Bangkok. It is one of Thailand's largest cinema operators and has also operated venues in Laos. The company built its identity around large multiplexes integrated with shopping, restaurants, bowling, karaoke, advertising and event-related services rather than treating a cinema as a standalone screening venue. The business was developed by Vicha Poolvaraluk, whose family had longstanding connections with Thailand's film and theater industries. Vicha initially worked in property development, but in the early 1990s he was asked by his father, Charoen Poolvaraluk, to take responsibility for the family's theater activities. He pursued a large-complex strategy, seeking to combine multiple screens with complementary leisure businesses. The first Major Cineplex complex opened in Bangkok in 1996, establishing the format that later became central to the company's expansion. Major Cineplex Ratchayothin, opened in 1998, became an important early flagship. Its 14 screens and approximately 4,000 seats made it a prominent multiplex, and it included Thailand's first IMAX cinema. The site illustrated the company's emphasis on scale, premium presentation and destination entertainment. Later developments broadened the portfolio through shopping-mall locations and specialty concepts, including premium seating, VIP rooms, luxury food-and-service packages, children's cinemas, 4DX, ScreenX and laser-projection formats. A major turning point came in 2004, when Major Cineplex merged with EGV Entertainment, Thailand's first cineplex operator and a significant competitor. EGV had been formed in the 1990s through a partnership involving Entertain Theatres Network, Golden Harvest and Village Roadshow. The transaction consolidated two important Thai exhibition businesses and gave Major Cineplex access to additional sites, brands and operating capabilities. EGV's luxury Gold Class concept, with reclining seats and in-seat service, helped establish premium cinema as a recognizable segment in Thailand. In 2019, the former EGV brand began being replaced by Major Cinema at selected branches. The group subsequently developed a portfolio of differentiated venues. Paragon Cineplex at Siam Paragon became a high-profile Bangkok flagship, while Esplanade Cineplex, Mega Cineplex, Quartier CineArt and ICON Cineconic were designed around distinct architectural, retail and technology propositions. The company has also operated IMAX locations and introduced or expanded premium formats such as Dolby Atmos, RealD 3D, 4DX and ScreenX. These formats support a positioning that combines mainstream film access with upgraded audiovisual presentation and premium hospitality. In addition to ticket sales, Major Cineplex's business scope includes concession sales, screen advertising, venue rental, event hosting and related entertainment services. Its properties range from mall-anchored multiplexes to larger entertainment complexes containing bowling, restaurants, retail and other leisure facilities. The company is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand under the symbol MAJOR. Public descriptions have identified it as the largest cinema operator in Thailand, although exact screen and location counts vary by date, brand classification and whether associated or overseas sites are included.
History
Major Cineplex emerged from a Thai family theater business with roots in film exhibition and film production. Vicha Poolvaraluk, who had initially worked in property development, was asked by his father, Charoen Poolvaraluk, to take over the family's theater operations in the early 1990s. Rather than continuing with a traditional single-screen model, Vicha pursued large entertainment complexes containing multiple cinemas and complementary leisure facilities. The first Major Cineplex complex opened in Bangkok in 1996. The concept combined movie theaters with businesses such as bowling, karaoke, restaurants and retail, helping establish the cinema as an all-day destination. Major Cineplex Ratchayothin followed in 1998. The 14-screen, approximately 4,000-seat site became a flagship and housed Thailand's first IMAX auditorium. The company's early expansion also included locations in areas such as Ramkhamhaeng and Sukhumvit. The company expanded substantially through its 2004 combination with EGV Entertainment. EGV had been created in 1993 by Entertain Theatres Network in partnership with Golden Harvest and Village Roadshow, and opened Thailand's first cineplex at Future Park Bangkae in 1994. EGV brought additional locations and experience in multiplex operations. Its Gold Class format, featuring small auditoriums, reclining seating and food-and-beverage service, helped popularize luxury cinema in Thailand. After the merger, the Major group operated multiple brands and venue formats, although the EGV name was later progressively replaced by Major Cinema. During the 2000s and 2010s, Major Cineplex increasingly aligned its cinemas with major shopping developments. Paragon Cineplex opened at Siam Paragon in 2006, followed by specialty developments such as Esplanade Cineplex, Mega Cineplex, Quartier CineArt and ICON Cineconic. These venues used design, hospitality and projection technology as differentiators. Depending on the location, facilities included IMAX, 4DX, ScreenX, laser projection, Dolby Atmos, RealD 3D, VIP auditoriums, children's screens and members-only or event-oriented rooms. The group has also operated cinemas in Laos and, for a period, Cambodia. Its broader revenue model has included admissions, concessions, advertising and the use of cinema properties for events and other entertainment activities. Because its network is partly embedded in shopping malls and mixed-use complexes, the company has competed not only on film selection and ticket price but also on location, convenience, premium service and the overall leisure experience. Major Cineplex is publicly listed in Thailand under the ticker MAJOR.BK. It remains associated with Thailand's multiplex sector and continues to develop premium and immersive formats. Exact operating counts should be treated as date-sensitive because branches, brands, leases and overseas operations can change over time.
- 2023
IMAX with Laser expansion announced
[3]Major Cineplex and IMAX announced new and upgraded IMAX with Laser locations in Thailand and Cambodia.
- 2019
EGV branding begins conversion to Major Cinema
[1]Former EGV branches began to be rebranded as Major Cinema.
- 2018
ICON Cineconic opens
[1]The company opened ICON Cineconic at ICONSIAM with premium and immersive cinema formats.
- 2016
M Cineplex collection launches
[1]Major Cineplex grouped a number of specialty locations under the M Cineplex collection.
- 2006
Paragon Cineplex opens
[1]Paragon Cineplex opened at Siam Paragon with multiple auditoriums and the Siam Pavalai Royal Grand Theatre.
- 2004
Merger with EGV Entertainment
[1]Major Cineplex absorbed EGV Entertainment, creating a larger national cinema network.
- 1998
Major Cineplex Ratchayothin opens
[1]The 14-screen Ratchayothin complex opened and included Thailand's first IMAX cinema.
- 1996
First Major Cineplex complex opens
[1]The first Major Cineplex complex opened on Borommaratchachonnani Road in Bangkok.
- 1994
Major Cineplex is founded
[1]Vicha Poolvaraluk established the business that became Major Cineplex.
- 1994
EGV opens its first cineplex
[1]EGV opened its first multiplex at Future Park Bangkae in Bangkok.
Products and positioning
A large-scale, technology-oriented and increasingly premium cinema operator, combining mainstream film exhibition with luxury seating, immersive formats and mall-based entertainment.
Cinema exhibition · 1996
Major Cineplex multiplexes
The core network consists of multiplex cinemas located in shopping centers and integrated entertainment complexes. Sites generally combine multiple screens with concessions, advertising inventory and, at selected properties, bowling, restaurants, retail and event facilities. The format allows Major Cineplex to serve mainstream audiences while adding premium and family-oriented options.
Premium cinema format · 1998
IMAX
Major Cineplex operates IMAX auditoriums in selected Thai and overseas locations. The format is used to differentiate flagship sites through large screens, specialized projection and multichannel sound. The company has also worked with IMAX on transitions from digital projection to IMAX with Laser.
Immersive cinema
4DX
4DX auditoriums add synchronized motion and environmental effects to film screenings. Major Cineplex has included the format at selected specialty and mall-based venues as part of its strategy of offering experiences that cannot be replicated by ordinary home viewing.
Immersive cinema
ScreenX
ScreenX uses additional side-wall imagery to create a wider panoramic presentation. Major Cineplex has installed ScreenX at selected premium locations, positioning it alongside IMAX and 4DX as an experience-led cinema option.
Luxury cinema
Gold Class
Gold Class originated within EGV and offered small auditoriums with heavily padded reclining seats, food-and-drink service and hospitality features such as blankets and pillows. The concept helped establish luxury cinema as a distinct segment in Thailand and influenced later premium seating propositions within the group.
Flagship cinema · 2006
Paragon Cineplex
Located at Siam Paragon in Bangkok, Paragon Cineplex is a major flagship venue. Its facilities have included the large Siam Pavalai Royal Grand Theatre, premium auditoriums, IMAX and other specialty formats, making it one of the group's most prominent luxury and destination cinema properties.
Specialty cinema · 2006
Esplanade Cineplex
Esplanade Cineplex is a specialty cinema concept associated with Bangkok's Esplanade developments. Its facilities have included premium seating, cinema galleries, VIP rooms and advanced projection or sound systems. A separate Esplanade location in Nonthaburi has also been associated with a large-format laser screen and IMAX with Laser.
Specialty cinema
Mega Cineplex
Mega Cineplex at Mega Bangna was designed as a technology-focused digital cinema complex. The venue has included digital projection across its screens along with 4DX, ScreenX, IMAX with Laser and other premium presentation systems.
Specialty cinema
Quartier CineArt
Quartier CineArt at The EmQuartier in Bangkok is a boutique and technology-oriented cinema concept. Its facilities have included IMAX with Laser, Dolby Atmos, RealD XL and other laser-equipped auditoriums, combining premium presentation with a high-end retail environment.
Specialty cinema · 2018
ICON Cineconic
ICON Cineconic at ICONSIAM combines premium hospitality with immersive cinema. The venue has included IMAX with Laser, 4DX, Dolby Atmos, a children's cinema and a living-room-style space suitable for group or event rental.
Brand decisions
2023
Expand IMAX with LaserGeneration changeBackground
Large-format and premium projection technologies were important tools for cinema operators seeking to distinguish theatrical viewing from home entertainment.
Action taken
Major Cineplex and IMAX announced a program of new and upgraded IMAX with Laser locations in Thailand and Cambodia.
Aftermath
The plan was intended to expand the group's premium large-format footprint, although the final location count and completion status require current-source verification.
2019
Replace EGV identity with Major CinemaStrategyBackground
Following the EGV combination, the group operated multiple cinema identities, which could make the network less uniform to consumers.
Action taken
The company began rebranding former EGV branches as Major Cinema.
Aftermath
The change strengthened the Major naming system while retaining the group's broader portfolio of premium and specialty formats.
2004
Consolidate the Thai multiplex market through EGVM&ABackground
EGV was a major rival and Thailand's first cineplex operator, with a network and premium-cinema expertise that complemented Major Cineplex's expansion strategy.
Action taken
Major Cineplex absorbed EGV Entertainment and integrated the businesses under the Major group.
Aftermath
The transaction created a larger cinema platform and preserved several operating and premium-service concepts associated with EGV.
Recent events
- 2023
Major Cineplex and IMAX announce laser expansion[3]
Product generation · Product launch
Major Cineplex and IMAX announced a plan involving new and upgraded IMAX with Laser locations in Thailand and Cambodia.
- 2019
Former EGV branches begin conversion to Major Cinema[1]
Other
The company began replacing the former EGV identity with the Major Cinema name at selected locations.
- 2018
ICON Cineconic opens at ICONSIAM[1]
Product launch
Major Cineplex launched ICON Cineconic at ICONSIAM, featuring premium and immersive formats including IMAX with laser, 4DX and Dolby Atmos.
- 2016
Major Cineplex introduces the M Cineplex collection[1]
Product launch
The group introduced the M Cineplex collection to organize a set of specialty and boutique cinema concepts within its broader network.
- 2006
Paragon Cineplex opens at Siam Paragon[1]
Product launch
The company opened a large flagship cinema at Siam Paragon, including the Siam Pavalai Royal Grand Theatre and premium cinema facilities.
- 2004
Major Cineplex merges with EGV Entertainment[1]
M&A
Major Cineplex absorbed EGV Entertainment, consolidating two major Thai cinema exhibition businesses and expanding its theater network and brand portfolio.
Sources3 sources
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