The Scala Theatre on Siam Square Soi 1 has long been a place of fond memories for Thai cinemagoers. The sight of the staff in yellow jackets, cheap popcorn and the grand chandelier hanging above the staircase are just some of the many charms of this stand-alone cinema in the heart of Bangkok. But now, almost half a decade since its opening, the future of the cinema seems bleak.
One could say it's been a long time coming. Over the past few years, the fate of Scala has been subject to public scrutiny and speculation. But the discussion is getting more intense than ever, as the cinema's land lease is set to end next year. Word is that Scala -- in all its vintage, art deco glory -- could be torn down to make way for future commercial development on the land. Another shopping mall, perhaps? Not that we really need another one crammed into that already-congested neighbourhood of malls.
Many people are displeased with the direction this iconic cinema could be heading towards. To voice people's support in preserving Scala, a recent online petition on change.org is now pleading to Chulalongkorn University, who owns the land, to not tear down this piece of architectural heritage.
Phenphan Kovitarngkoon -- the person behind the petition -- suggests that, as an educational institute, Chulalongkorn University is in a position to do better than tearing down Scala, that they should take pride in its historical and cultural significance to Thai people. Scala is worth preserving, at least according to about 4,500 supporters so far who have signed the petition.
Of course, some agree to disagree. Commenters online suggest that we can't just preserve everything. Advancement sometimes requires the ability to let go, or we would never take a step forward for anything.
Scala was unveiled to Thais at the end of 1969. The first film to show there was The Undefeated, starring John Wayne and Rock Hudson. Nowadays, most of the films showing -- from Interstellar to The Hunger Games -- have been high-profile Hollywood flicks. Captain America: Civil War is currently showing. Four sessions are offered per day, plus an additional morning viewing on weekends.
Aside from showing films, the venue has been used to stage numerous concerts and plays through the years. Some of them were productions organised by the students of Chulalongkorn University.
It remains to be seen how the situation will fare in the end, or if the university's executives will budge under public pressure. Truth be told, getting rid of the old to make way for the new is an age-old concept. Still, it's worth remembering that what's destroyed can't be replaced. The atmosphere and memories that are tied to the place will be hard to replicate elsewhere. What's more, without Scala Theatre, the Siam neighbourhood would never feel the same again.
