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More big movie posters from the Thonglor Bangkok Skytrain station: 28 Days and The Matrix: Reloaded.

For about 300 to 500 Baht (US$7.50 to $12.50, compared to $2 or $3 for a regular seat), the Gold Theater option available at some cineplexes in Bangkok is a movie-goers wet dream. Each of the 30 to 40 seats in the full-sized, totally visually and audibly-souped up Gold Theaters are remote controlled, fully reclining leather lounge chairs. You are escorted by an attendant to your assigned seat (all theater seats here, regardless of price, are self-assigned at checkout). Upon reaching your huge La-Z-Boy of a seat, you are presented with a pillow, blanket, pair of socks (?), and a menu, from which you can order wine, popcorn, sandwiches, etc.

The other fresh thing about movies in Thailand is that right before the movie starts, but after all of the upcoming trailers, everyone in the audience must stand up and pay tribute to the King of Thailand. You have to remain standing for about three minutes during an elaborate on-screen photo montage that shows pictures of the young king rowing, taking pictures (the King LOVES photography), entering the monastary, growing up, etc. It's a hilarious experience for the first time, but after being here for a while you realize that the people of Thailand honestly love and respect their King. This stand-and-salute-the-monarch routine also happened at the train station when the clock struck 6:00PM.