Bangkok is bringing back one of its most relaxed seasonal traditions as the Krungthep Klang Plaeng Open-Air Cinema Festival makes its return this Saturday. Running on weekends through February 1, the citywide event transforms cultural spaces into outdoor movie venues, combining free film screenings, live performances, and evening concerts during Bangkok’s cooler months.
Now in its fourth year, the festival celebrates Thailand’s long-standing love for outdoor cinema — once a common form of entertainment before the rise of modern theaters. Organized by the Thai Film Director Association, with support from the Department of Cultural Promotion and the Thai Film Archive, the program aims to reconnect audiences with that shared cinematic past while showcasing films that resonate with today’s viewers.
Screenings will take place across several well-known Bangkok venues, including the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Sala Chalermthani, and Asvin art space. Each weekend offers a different mix of titles, creating a rotating program that encourages visitors to return throughout the festival period.
The film lineup spans decades of Thai cinema. Recent crowd-pleasers such as How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies and My Boo sit alongside classic works like Mae Nak Phra Khanong, Ruean Pae, and Salween (Gunman II). Some sessions feature live dubbing or narration, adding a performance element that recalls how movies were once presented in open-air settings.
Music plays an equally important role in shaping the festival’s atmosphere. After the screenings, audiences can enjoy complimentary live concerts by popular Thai artists, including Scrubb, Taitosmitr, Whal & Dolph, Once Dogs, Apartment Khunpa, GPOD, and Jay Jettamon. The diverse lineup ranges from indie and folk to alternative rock, turning each evening into a casual outdoor gathering.
Beyond films and concerts, the festival offers more ways to spend the evening. Visitors can browse food stalls, join creative workshops, or attend informal talks, making it easy to treat the event as a full night out rather than just a movie screening.
Activities begin at 17:00, with films starting at 19:00, followed by live music. Admission is free, making Krungthep Klang Plaeng an easy addition to a weekend plan for both residents and visitors looking to experience Bangkok’s cultural scene in a laid-back setting.
🎬 Screening Schedule & Venues
📍 Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)
- Jan 17: How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (Lahn Mah)
- Jan 18: My Boo (Anong) — Part 1
📍 Chalerm Thani (Sala Chalerm Thani)
- Jan 24: Gunman Salween 2 (Meu Peun Salween 2)
- Jan 25: Mae Nak Phra Khanong (Preeya Rungrueang Version)
⭐ Special Highlight:
Live dubbing performance by Dok Kham Tai and Siwaporn — a rare opportunity to experience traditional Thai live-dubbed cinema.
📍 Atsawin Contemporary Art Space (Atsawin Cinema)
- Jan 31: Ruen Pae (The Boat House) — 1961 classic
- Feb 1: Phra Tae Kon Kae
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