Alternative theatres in Bangkok
Aside from being a fun hobby or something to do on a night out, watching movies bring new experiences into our worlds. Films can inspire our lives and even society, all while making us laugh, cry, or even scream in horror.
If you’re a film nerd looking for a fresh new way to enjoy movies, we’ve gathered 8 alternative theatres in Bangkok to visit for your next movie night. You might even find fellow film buffs here:
Table of Contents
- Alternative theatres in Bangkok
- 1. Jam – free film screenings every Wednesday
- 2. Doojit Space – all-in-one space with cinema and flea market
- 3. Bangkok Screening Room – bar-cum-movie theatre
- 4. Doc Club Theatre – secret theatre house for documentary lovers
- 5. Lido Connect – classic cinema that’s over 50-year-old
- 6. The Friese-Greene Club – private clubhouse for film buffs
- 7. House Samyan – theatre at newly-opened Samyan Mitrtown
- New movie spots for film buffs
1. Jam – free film screenings every Wednesday
Image credit: Openrice
Jam is a hidden art community along Charoenrat Road that combines an art gallery, live music bar, and event space together.
Mark your calendars for every Wednesday night. Jam hosts JAM CINÉ CLUB, which offers tonnes of indie films that follow a theme that rotates each month. The screenings start at 8pm, and are all available for free!
Image credit: JAM
From the outside, you might never guess that it houses a theatre on the inside. Jam looks like a hipster bar decorated with posters and art knick-knacks, making it a cool place to just hang out with your friends for a chill meal from their cafe. Food and drinks are mainly Western-style street food like Fish and Chips (฿120) and their signature Jamburger (฿150).
Keep up with their movie schedule and other activities on their website.
Jam
Address: 41 Soi Rong Nam Khaeng (Charoenrat Soi 1), Charoen Rat Rd., Yan Nawa Sub-district, Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120.
Opening Hours: 6PM-12PM (Closed on Monday)
Nearest Train Station: Surasak BTS Station (Exit 2)
Telephone: +66 89 889 8059
Website
2. Doojit Space – all-in-one space with cinema and flea market
Image credit: venuee.co
Chang Chui is a creative space that combines art exhibitions, music events, and even a flea market in one place. Eateries, stores, and event spaces here are separated into different buildings that come in a photogenic vintage design.
Situated here is Doojit Space, which can be noticed from its signature neon lights. The interior is decorated with old windows and galvanized sheets, giving it an industrial vibe.
Image credit: venuee.co
The cinema space is intimate, with 20-30 vintage seats places in front of a simple screen.Movies here are mainly documentary collections from Documentary Club, which are offered at a very reasonable price just ฿100. Screenings take place 2 times a day.
Image credit: ดูจิตแล้วอะไรก็ช่าง – Doojit Space at ช่างชุ่ย
While you’re at Chang Chui, don’t forget to stop by their abandoned aeroplane fixture!
Image credit: @changchuibkk
You can also make the most of your visit by attending the events and shows that take place regularly.
Doojit Space
Address: 460/8 Chang Chui Creative Park, Sirindhorn Rd., Taling Chan Sub-district, Bang Phlat District, Bangkok 10700.
Opening Hours: 11AM-11PM (Closed on Wednesday)
Nearest Train Station: 40-minute by car from Victory Monument BTS Station
Telephone: +66 81 817 2888
Website
3. Bangkok Screening Room – bar-cum-movie theatre
Image credit: @monojokoko
Bangkok Screening Room is quietly tucked away in Woofpack Building, which sits in the peaceful Saladaeng Soi 1 area. A neon sign will lead you up to the 2nd floor, where you will find a dark, sleek cafe-style box office area where you can order your movie tickets and classic movie snacks like popcorn.
Their 50-seat screening room comes with an impressive 4K screen and Bose sound system. Plus, there are 2 seats reserved specially for wheelchairs.
Image credit: bkksr.com
Both classic and contemporary Thai and international movies are screened here, and experimental films by newbies are welcome too! Filmmakers and directors can submit their works to the team to win a chance to be screened.
Tickets cost ฿300 (฿250 for students), but one can also sign up for a membership for ฿1,000 a year. Awesome perks include:
- 3 free tickets after joining
- Free ticket on your birthday
- 20% discount on movie tickets
- 10% discount on food and drinks at BKKSR Bar
- Pre-booking of movie sessions
- Exclusive member-only events
Note that the memberships are limited to 1,000 people only, so get it quick! Showtimes can be checked on their website.
Bangkok Screening Room
Address: 1/3-7 2 Fl., Woofpack building, Saladaeng Soi 1, Silom Sub-district, Bang Rak District, Bangkok 10500.
Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 3.30PM-12AM | Sat-Sun 11AM-12AM (Closed on Monday)
Nearest Train Station: Saladaeng BTS Station (Exit 4) or Lumpini MRT Station (Exit 2)
Telephone: +66 90 906 3888
Website
4. Doc Club Theatre – secret theatre house for documentary lovers
Image credit: Doc Club Theatre
Doc Club Theatre is the place to be for documentary film lovers. It’s hidden in Warehouse 30 in Charoenkrung Soi 30, near Bangrak Grand Postal Office and Thailand Creative & Design Centre (TCDC).
Image credit: Doc Club Theatre
Doc Club Theatre is very simple, with just a screen put together with orange chairs and sofas that can sit 60 visitors, with tickets only costing ฿100 at the entrance.
Image credit: @thewerehouse30
They also host talks and learning sessions related to the movies screened here. Additionally, the warehouse sells lots of cool knick-knacks and memorabilia for you to check out when you’re here, making it a really interesting place to check out.
For more details visit their website and Facebook.
Doc Club Theatre
Address: Warehouse No.7, Warehouse 30, Soi Charoenkrung 30,
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 4PM-9PM | Sat-Sun 3.30PM-9PM
Nearest Train Station: Saphan Taksin BTS Station
Website
5. Lido Connect – classic cinema that’s over 50-year-old
Image credit: @hippiedreamer
Lido Connect used to be known as Lido Multiplex, and is Bangkok’s historic theatre that is over 50-years-old! It is now both a cinema and lifestyle shopping mall.
The old theatres have since been transformed into a modern-day cinema and event space:
- 147-seat theatre (Lido 1)
- 234-seat theatre (Lido 2)
- Multi-purpose space for events and concerts (Lido 3)
Image credit: @p_nattt
Aside from Hollywood blockbusters, Lido Connect also offers all sorts of special screenings such as documentary films from Documentary Club.
Ticket machines
Image credit: khaosodenglish.com
You can buy a ticket (from ฿150) from ticket machines at the theatre or online at ticketmelon.
Aside from movies, visitors can enjoy the mall’s cafes, restaurants, and lifestyle. Moreover, there are always art exhibitions, live music, and event happening here too.
Don’t forget to take pictures with their iconic neon sign “ลิโด้” and the graffiti decorations in the area!
Lido Connect
Address: 256 Between Siam Square Soi 2 and 3, Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330.
Opening Hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: Siam BTS Station
Telephone: +66 62 929 8685
Website
6. The Friese-Greene Club – private clubhouse for film buffs
Image credit: The Friese-Greene Club
The Friese-Greene Club is a 3-storey shophouse that has been transformed into a movie theatre. Created by Paul Spurrier, director of Thai horror movie “P”, this space is intended to be a community spot for those who have a passion for film and filmmaking.
Image credit: The Friese-Greene Club
The theatre space is extremely private, with just 9 plush red seats for members of the club. It only costs ฿400 a year to sign up as a member, and you can make reservations on their website. As a member, you can visit the clubhouse to relax and meet your buddies too.
You can check on their film schedule on their Facebook page. Friday nights are dedicated to classic movies only, so if you’re looking to catch movies that can’t be found on the regular big screen anymore, here’s where to go.
The 1st floor and 2nd floor balcony are decorated with movie posters and look really cosy, and you can enjoy affordable cocktails and beers while waiting for the show to start from only ฿90.
The Friese-Greene Club
Address: 259/6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Khlongton Sub-district, Klongtoey District, Bangkok 10110 (Next to Marriot Marquis Hotel)
Opening Hours: Tues-Sun, 6PM-11PM
Nearest Train Station: Phrom Phong BTS Station
Telephone: +66 87 000 0795
Website
7. House Samyan – theatre at newly-opened Samyan Mitrtown
Image credit: konchadluek
Located on the 5th floor of the newly-opened Samyan Mitrtown is House Samyan. Here is where you will find an adorable house-shaped box office selling tickets to all sorts of movies, ranging from independent art-house films to award-winning box office hits.
House Samyan is known as one of the most popular alternative theatres in Bangkok and has been operated for over 10 years. It used to be at Rama 9 road under the name House RCA, and has since moved to its new home in this new mall.
There are 3 screening rooms here of different sizes: 100, 140, and 200 seats.
Image credit: komchadluek
Movie tickets are quite affordable here, at ฿160 (฿120 for students). If you are a diehard movie fan, there is a lifetime membership at the price ฿500. Privileges include:
- ฿20 discount on tickets
- Special discounts at souvenir shop and coffee bar
- Chance to win free passes for events and activities held by House Samyan
- Free limited-edition souvenirs
Image credit: komchadluek
Most movie theatres are known to be dimly-lit, but not House Samyan. This place provides a refreshing space for filmgoers to visit, with high floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of natural light to brighten the place up. There is also a cafe where you can get some drinks before showtime.
House Samyan
Address: 944/1 5 Fl, SAMYAN MITRTOWN, Rama 4 Rd, Wang Mai Sub-district, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330.
Opening Hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: Samyan MRT Station (Exit 2)
Telephone: +66 98 869 0997
Website
New movie spots for film buffs
Aside from the cool alternative theatres we’ve covered in our list, there are many other events that are often hosted in the city that offer more choices for movie nerds. These include indie film festivals and international movie screenings – and sometimes, you can watch them for free!
Watching movies shouldn’t just be for entertainment or something to watch on the regular big screens. Book a ticket at one of these theatres for the upcoming weekend and get inspired!
Cover image adapted from venuee.co