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Thailand’s leading cinema operators, Major Cineplex and SF Cinema Group, insist they will hold ticket prices at current levels, and claim their popcorn is expensive because it is imported. On Tuesday, representatives of the two main cinema and cineplex operators met with Jirachai Moontongroi, secretary-general of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), in an investigation the board said began with “many complaints” from moviegoers about what they said were unreasonable prices for tickets, snacks and beverages. They also complained about the lengthy advertisements and trailers before the feature film, safety measures at the movies, and generally poor service. The meeting was also attended by officials of the Department of Internal Trade, the Revenue Department and the Department of Disease Control. Apichart Kongchai, head of cinema operations at Major Cineplex, said his company gets only a percentage of the ticket price. “At our cinemas, we don’t have films. We just provide theatres and services,” he said. “When we sell movie tickets at 100 baht each, we get only 50 baht, and there are many expenses that have to be covered by us, not by the film companies.” Mr Apichart said prices had to be high to cover increased operating costs. One of the factors was the government’s 300 baht daily minimum wage. The big-two cinema operators also suggested movie goers who want lower prices should go to theatres that offer promotions on certain days. Consumer board chief Jirachai said revenue from ticket sales is split 50/50 between cinema operators and film distributors. The Department of Internal Trade will look into the information provided by cinema operators to find out the actual operating costs. As for the grumbles about the high cost of snacks and beverages, Mr Jirachai quoted the operators as saying the popcorn at movie snack bars is imported from the United States. However, he did not explain why snacks and beverages sold inside cinemas cost double the normal price at shops nearby. At local cinemas, a can of soda costs 30 to 40 baht, and a disposable waxed cup full of ice topped off with soft drink is 60 to 70 baht. Snacks also cost around twice the normal retail price. “People who go to watch movies at cinemas in shopping malls can still buy snacks at supermarkets, even though some operators prohibit food being taken inside their theatres,” Mr Jirachai said. Major Cineplex and SF Cinema Group representatives said their advertising previews lasted no more than six minutes at each showing, he added. via Cinemas defend movie ticket and snack prices | Bangkok Post: news.