A perfect holiday is when you spend a leisurely day out with your loved ones. A trip to the movie theatre is an ideal excursion, especially when you enjoy a newly released film.
But as you start to book tickets online, you realise you have to leave someone at home. Ironically, they are your favourite family member and you wish you could trade your spouse or kid's seat for their places, but you assumed you couldn't because they have four legs.
Now, cinephile pet lovers and their significant others can share big-screen pleasure every weekend at i-Tail Pet Cinema, located at Mega Cineplex Megabangna, EastVille Cineplex and Major Cineplex Robinson Ratchapruek.
A partnership between movie theatre operator Major Cineplex Group and world-leading manufacturer of pet food i-Tail Corporation, the project aims to enrich the relationship between pets and owners by offering them more recreational options.
According to i-Tail Corporation's CEO Pichitchai Wongpiya, the number of pets, particularly dogs and cats, in Thailand has increased dramatically over the past years. Such a growing number corresponds with the pet humanisation trend as well as the pet-centric mindset of owners.
There are approximately 13 million household dogs and cats in Thailand at the moment. Two-thirds of them are dogs. However, over the past few years, the rate of pet cats is double that of dogs. Owners are willing to spend for the well-being and entertainment of their pets. An owner's annual spending, on average, is 10,000-20,000 baht per pet.
While the project is the first movie facility in Thailand that caters to canine and feline viewers, its real target audience is pet owners.
"What we do is provide the owners guilt-free entertainment without leaving their pets behind," Pichitchai said.
"So the programmes always feature newly-released films that are appropriate for pet-friendly screening.
"With safety and comfort of the pets in mind, the sound and brightness -- of both the screen and the auditorium -- are also adjusted, following veterinarian advice."
The pet cinemas open only on Saturdays and Sundays and are professionally sanitised before and after each screening. The facilities are manned by specially-trained staff to ensure a smooth experience for humans and their furry friends.
The current screening programmes include The Little Mermaid, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, The Flash and Elemental.
Only healthy and well-behaved dogs and cats weighing no more than 15kg and having been vaccinated (up-to-date vaccine certification is required) are allowed into the theatres. They must not be pregnant or in a fertile period.
During showtime, the pet must be in a proper carrier bag and wear diapers. Both the diapers and the bags are also provided by the movie theatre. There will be vending machines selling various pet foods, snacks and pet products as well. The cinemas are also equipped with pet toilets and waste stations.
Tickets are 99 baht per pet. Prices for people range from 220 baht to 700 baht per person depending on the seating types including standard, honeymoon, opera chair and first class.
For more information and ticket reservations, visit majorcineplex.com or call 02-515-5555.
