Five Star Cinema in Korat screens final show after 29 years

The final chapter has closed on Korat’s beloved Five Star Cinema, a cherished venue for local students and residents. Yesterday, August 29, marked the last screening at the iconic theatre, succumbing to the competition from central investors and streaming services.

Five Star Cinema, located at the Chai Narong Gate intersection next to the Panjadara Hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), originally opened its doors 29 years ago in 1994. Initially a motorcycle dealership, it transformed into a multi-screen cinema and became a community staple.

The complex also houses a supermarket, hotel, restaurants, and various retail shops, offering a one-stop destination for moviegoers. The cinema featured four screens, rotating films from 10.40am to 10pm daily, and standing as the last local cinema in Korat.

Despite its popularity, Five Star Cinema struggled to compete with the influx of centrally funded multiplexes and shopping centres that have sprung up in recent years. With over 30 cinemas now operating in the province, Korat ranks among the top in the region for the number of theatres. These new cinemas have adopted aggressive marketing strategies, including competitive ticket pricing, making it difficult for the local cinema to keep up.

The rise of streaming services has further strained traditional cinemas. Even with efforts to adjust ticket prices to attract budget-conscious students and residents, attendance at Five Star Cinema dwindled. On some days, fewer than 10 people attended screenings, making it financially unsustainable to continue operations, said a spokesperson for the cinema.

“We tried to adapt, but the competition was too fierce, and the shift towards streaming services was a major blow.”

While Five Star Cinema has closed, other parts of the complex, including the Five Star Marco Supermarket and the Panjadara Hotel, continue to operate as usual, offering some continuity for the local community.

The closure marks the end of an era for Korat’s cinema culture, which has seen significant changes over the past few decades. One member of the community is left reminiscing about the simpler times when a trip to the local cinema was a cherished pastime, reported KhaoSod.

“This place holds so many memories for us. It’s sad to see it go, but we understand the reasons.”