Scala Cinema Bangkok

Scala Cinema highlights

The cinema is easy to find, just 5 minutes’ walk from the BTS station at Siam. Simply come down the stairs on the opposite side of the road to Paragon and head towards Siam Square Soi 1. From the outside, the cinema looks old-world – there are no digital displays here and the name of the film showing is displayed in red letters, each put up by hand.

On Siam Square Soi 2, The Lido Cinema was its partner in crime, which closed down in 2018. Both cinemas used to show an eclectic range of films together, from large blockbusters to more independent movies from Asia and Europe. Now on its own, The Scala Cinema is a rarity in Thailand, one of the last movie theatres from times gone by still standing.

Good to know about Scala Cinema 

Once you enter the Scala, you’re greeted by a gigantic chandelier that swoops to almost head height over the double staircase. The entrance hall is the highlight of the cinema, which is a lofty space with a vaulted ceiling and with large art deco bronzed flowers hanging from each dome. It gives the room an almost religious feel – this is definitely a cinema for those who worship the silver screen.

Tickets are ripped from a booklet and your seat number is scrawled on it (no printers are necessary here). The ticket and concession stands are large wooden art deco monuments, and above the entrance is a 10-metre sculpture showing a potted history of Thailand.

Vintage movie experience at Scala Cinema

The gentleman who takes your ticket usually sports a very snazzy yellow jacket and bowtie combo, and it feels that he too may be stuck in the time warp that is the Scala Cinema. It’s well-known that those who work at the cinema tend to stay in the job for life, adding to the history of the building. 

The cinema's interior is no less impressive, with around 1,000 red velvet seats curving around the large screen. The owners of the cinema haven’t left everything frozen in time, making sure that technology is regularly updated to offer viewers the best experience they can. 

Although there may be less legroom compared to other cinemas across the city, a visit here is a real treat. Whether you come for the arthouse movies, the architecture, or the cheap movie tickets, a visit to the Scala Cinema lets you experience a significant part of Thailand’s movie history.