Major steps up security

[Braveheart]

Extracted from the Bangkok Post: Bangkok Post

 

WORANUJ MANEERUNGSEE

 

Major Cineplex Group has sought advice from military and police bomb experts about how to best improve security at the country's largest movie theatre chain.

 

Company chairman Vicha Poolvaraluck said trash bins were being cleared from theatres and training offered to retailers and staff about security issues.

 

Handbags of moviegoers would also be inspected before they enter cinemas, while drivers in parking lots would be asked to roll down windows for inspection."Like other business operators, we want to rebuild consumer confidence by taking action for better security systems, rather than focusing on public relations. We will do that permanently," Mr Vicha said.

 

"Now there are soldiers and police officers at our places and I think that could make moviegoers and us feel safe."

 

He admitted ticket sale revenues from Paragon Cineplex at Siam Paragon and Major Cineplex at CentralWorld would drop since those areas had been targeted by the New Year's Eve bombers.

 

"But drops in sales at those two locations will not affect the overall business performance since other locations such as Rama II, Pin Klao and upcountry were not hurt," he said.

 

Though moviegoers may still fear that bombers will attack theatres, Mr Vicha was optimistic revenues in the first quarter of this year would be better than in the same period last year due to the debut this month of Naraesuan, a Thai historical epic. Part two of the same movie will be screened later in the first quarter.

 

"No, we are not going to postpone (Naraesuan)," he said. "It has received a warm welcome. Banks and schools have booked tickets already."