10-6-2023 (BANGKOK) A heartwarming scene unfolded at Thailand’s first pet-friendly cinema where frolicking four-legged film fans turned up for the show.
Dozens of dogs and cats in tiny costumes arrived with their owners for the opening of Major Cineplex’s pet cinema on the outskirts of Bangkok. Thais’ love for their furry companions is evident in the size of the country’s pet industry, the second largest in Asia after China.
Fluffy white cat Kati perched atop a seat wearing a yellow dress for a screening of The Little Mermaid. A costumed Chihuahua prepared to watch the Disney film alongside its owner. A terrier even dressed up as mermaid Ariel in a red wig and tail.
The pets wore diapers and were confined to bags while staff adjusted the sound and lights for their comfort. Mano, 37, brought rescue cat Kati to “experiment.” He said: “We are seeing The Little Mermaid. He will enjoy seeing all the fish on the screen.”
Narute Jiensnong from Major Cineplex said Bangkok lacks pet-friendly spaces. The concept stems from pet-tolerant child cinemas where “kids will be running around…owners will be understanding if dogs bark.”
However, an oversized Alaskan Malamute named Tungchae disappointedly missed out due to size limits. While some pet owners welcomed the idea, others objected. An expat said bringing pets “is unnatural torture,” noting: “Being zipped up in a cage…is that enjoyable?” She questioned: “What comes next, you bring your dog or cat to a massage parlour?”
In short, while well-intentioned, Thailand’s first pet cinema highlights debates around caring for pets in urban environments. Further safeguards may be needed to ensure animals’ welfare amid the commercialization of pet culture.
