Suck cinemas then and now

[reader]

NOTE -- Christianpfc has reported on several of the theaters, including the Phanom Yotin Rama pictured below (on same soi as 39 Underground sauna), described in this article.

 

Excerpts from Khaosod English

 

 

BANGKOK — Back in the golden age of cinema, more than 100 cinema houses beckoned audiences throughout the capital.

 

But decades ago, as viewing became a private act, they faded away. Most were simply knocked down and replaced. Yet still, a few live on. Nearly invisible in the fabric of the city, they can be found in unlikely places, adapted to new purposes on the margins of society.

 

“Stand-alone theaters used to be city landmarks and the only mass entertainment place for people of all ages,” said writer Sonthaya Subyen, who roamed Thailand with his colleague Morimart Raden-Ahmad to capture the remnants of movie halls nationwide for a photo book called “Once Upon a Celluloid Planet: Where Cinema Ruled.”

 

According to Sonthaya, stand-alone theaters flourished in Thailand between the ‘50s and the ‘70s before their popularity waned in the 1980s with the advent of VHS tapes and players.

 

“Similar to attending temple fairs, locals dressed up to go to stand-alone theaters although they didn’t go watch any film,” Sonthaya said, explaining that the theaters were usually situated in city centers and markets, where they became community gathering points. “They supported one another, the theater and the community.”

 

A few minutes walk from Robinson Department Store on Charoen Krung Road sits a decomposing, Art Deco icon. Since the 1950s, the Prince Rama has been surrounded by rows of two-story wood houses – including famous rice porridge shop Jok Prince. It too showed skin flicks for some years before shutting its doors nearly a decade ago.

 

Prince Rama

 

Some of Bangkok’s legacy theaters show old gay porn films and charge 60 baht to patrons who engage in casual sexual encounters.

 

Three such theaters are the Phahon Yothin Rama on Phahon Yothin Road, Chinatown Rama on Yaowarat Road and Laemthong Rama on Rama IV Road in the Khlong Toei district.

 

Chinatown Rama

 

Laemthong Rama

 

 

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/arts/2017/08/18/find-hidden-treasures-bangkoks-golden-age-cinema-photos/

[ChristianPFC]

Thanks for posting (general, I'm busy traveling and don't read much news, I would have missed this, and the new bus line numbering system - I saw it already in operation and would have wondered what is going on if I hadn't read about it here).

 

I thought the Prince was demolished, but judging by satellite image it still stands, I have to go there some day.

 

The ultimate source on old cinemas in SEAsia is http://seatheater.blogspot.com/

(but even this is not complete, I submitted additions and updates).

[ukladd23]

So these theatres are still open and showing old gay porn movies? If so I'd love to pop down o take a look....?

[Guest gregvc]

Soi 78 suhumvit known as State. Few guests. Cavernous. New extension of bts brings customers

[Guest gregvc]

Only state shows gay porn

[ukladd23]

Thanks for the heads up Greg... is there still cruising and guys with thier dicks out at this place?

[Guest gregvc]

Pretty much yes

Ladyboys in phhon yotin lower section.

[ukladd23]

Sounds pretty horny for a voyeur like myself! Though the stories of muggings are putting me off a little

[Guest gregvc]

Only ever less than 10 guys at 78 state. Usually over 50 at phahon yotin

[Guest gregvc]

Yes i was mugged once at 78 by 3 men

[ukladd23]

The second place you mentioned with the ladyboys.... is that safer? Is it all ladyboys cos that's not really my thing!

[reader]

If you check Christianpfc's blog you find several first-hand reports on the place.  Use the search function here you'll pull up comments about it.

[Guest gregvc]

No ladyboys when i got mugged at soi 78

[ukladd23]

Might give it a miss, don't fancy being mugged!

Anyone know of any other places to perv during the day other than saunas?

[ChristianPFC]

I have been to the 5 operating sex cinemas combined about 20 times, not my style (neither did I see anyone I would want to have sex with, nor would I want to have sex in such a setting), but good they are there for those who like it.

 

The Prince is still standing, but a construction site inside (the walls will remain?).

[pong]

Passed by at that Sapankwai place a few days ago-had to wait for bus-and saw entry reduced to 40 bt-in stead of normal 60. Might be an early bird offer though.