Experience a nostalgic atmosphere at "Sala Chalerm Thani," a wooden cinema over 100 years old in the Nang Loeng area, with the "Cinematheque Nang Loeng" event showcasing 5 valuable Thai films for free throughout this extended holiday period.
Trace the charm of the century-old wooden cinema "Sala Chalerm Thani," one of Thailand's first legendary theaters.
For those captivated by the classic ambiance and history of Thai cinema, the "Nang Loeng Cinema" or "Sala Chalerm Thani" stands as a significant landmark. This two-story wooden theater was constructed during the reign of King Rama VI and remains a proud century-old wooden cinema in the Nang Loeng Market area.
Recently, the Film Archive (Public Organization), in collaboration with the Thai Film Foundation and the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, has revitalized this historic site through the special event "Cinematheque Nang Loeng," celebrating Thai cinema for the long holiday at the end of July 2026, from 28 July to 1 August 2026. Film enthusiasts are invited to step back in time and fully enjoy the atmosphere of watching classic Thai films.
Highlighting 5 legendary Thai films (from the 1960s to the 1990s) screened for free over 5 days with 5 titles.
This film screening program features carefully selected Thai films important to history and pop culture, ranging from classic film era works to transitional period movies, as follows.
Tuesday, 28 July 2026 | Ruean Pae (1961 / 117 minutes)
- An immortal Thai classic from the cinematic masterpiece era, starring a Hong Kong actor alongside Thai performers, depicting a tragic love story and the strained friendship between close friends. This screening opens with news footage of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn attending the "Ruean Pae" film exhibition in 1961.
Wednesday, 29 July 2026 | Tone (1970 / 137 minutes)
- The story of a temple boy who comes to study in the capital, this film marks the directorial debut of Piak Poster, a pioneer who revolutionized Thai cinema as part of the "new wave" with innovative cinematic language, filming techniques, music, and storytelling style.
Thursday, 30 July 2026 | Wan Phen (1978 / 120 minutes)
- A rare Thai film newly scanned from archival film stock, this remake by Mom Chao Thitiphan Yukol is based on a lost original from 1938. The screening celebrates the arrival of Nipaporn Nongnuch, the film's leading actress, at the Film Archive's Walk of Fame.
Friday, 31 July 2026 | Lok Thang Bai Hai Nai Khon Diao (1995 / 110 minutes)
- A 1990s teenage film phenomenon famous nationwide for its box office success, soundtrack, and performances by lead actors, telling stories of love, sibling relationships, and the underworld.
Saturday, 1 August 2026 | 2499 Antapan Khong Muang (1997 / 105 minutes)
- A landmark work that transformed the modern Thai film industry, depicting the stories of the famous youth gangs led by Daeng Baile, Pu Raberd Khuad, Dam Esso, Laem Singh, and Piak Wisuttikasat.
Schedule and viewing conditions
- Screening times: Films start at 4:00 PM (free admission, no charge).
- Ticket collection: Tickets are available onsite from 3:00 PM onward (no online reservations).
- Viewing and photography: Those wishing to photograph the historic wooden theater may enter the site from 2:00 PM.
- Seating limit: There are 250 seats per screening, and admission will close once seats are full.
How to get to "Nang Loeng Cinema" (Sala Chalerm Thani)
Nang Loeng Cinema is located within Nang Loeng Market, Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, Bangkok. Since there is no parking available for private vehicles at the venue, public transportation is recommended:
- MRT: Get off at Sam Yot station (Exit 1) or Hua Lamphong station, then take a taxi or bus toward Nakhon Sawan Road/Nang Loeng Market.
- Bus: Routes passing nearby include lines 2, 5, 8, 44, 47, 60, 157, 509, 511 (get off at Nang Loeng Market or Phan Fa Lilat intersection stops, then walk into Nang Loeng Market).
- Khlong Saen Saep boat service: Disembark at Phan Fa Lilat Pier, then walk about 800 meters to enter Nang Loeng Market.
