Global entertainment giant Walt Disney Company has chosen Advanced Info Service (AIS) to distribute its Disney+ Hotstar streaming service in Thailand, a boon for the carrier as the streaming segment has become part of a new digital lifestyle during the pandemic.
During the early bird period from June 8 to June 27, AIS subscribers can sign up for the streaming service for 35 baht per month, compared with the regular price of 99 baht a month.
AIS customers can stream more than 700 films and 14,000 episodes of Disney content on the Disney+ Hotstar app from June 30, said Pratthana Leelapanang, AIS chief of consumer business.
He said digital and video entertainment is a core segment of AIS's strategic investment together with global partners.
The cooperation highlights AIS as the digital lifestyle service provider with the most spectra and extensive 5G and broadband fibre networks, said Mr Pratthana.
Those who subscribe to the service in the early bird period will get an additional complimentary month of subscription.
Mr Pratthana indicated the launch of the app in collaboration with Disney will have no impact on its streaming service, AIS Play, since the two are in different market segments.
The collaboration will help spur the video-on-demand market in Thailand.
"It is our hope that the well-loved films and shows from Disney's iconic entertainment brands can provide moments of comfort, happiness and inspiration to our viewers in these challenging times," said Mr Pratthana.
David Shin, general manager of the Walt Disney Company for Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, said: "The launch of Disney+ Hotstar in Thailand will provide fans with even more viewing choices."
"The service connects powerful storytelling from our iconic brands with locally relevant content from some of the top studios in Thailand," he said. "We look forward to consumers enjoying our best-in-class entertainment experience, underpinned by our compelling content offering for audiences of all ages."
Disney+ Hotstar offers Hollywood movies and award-winning content from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic, FX, 20th Century Studios as well as a broad range of exclusive content from local studios and shows from the region.
Asian and homegrown movies on the platform include Pee Mak, Friend Zone, Brother of The Year, Laddaland, Tom Yum Goong, God Bless The Trainees Too!, Extraordinary Siamese Story: Eng and Chang, Seobok, Ip Man 4: The Finale and The Deer and The Cauldron.