Major Cineplex, KBTG and KBank create contactless e-tickets – a first in Thailand
In a new “first” for Thailand, moviegoers are being invited to buy tickets for Major Cineplex cinemas from an automated kiosk without touching anything.
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The innovative “contactless” technology, which will be available from December 26, is the result of cooperation between Major Cineplex Group (MAJOR), KASIKORN Business-technology Group (KBTG), and KASIKORNBANK (KBank).
The new e-tickets are part of the “new normal” era, allowing customers to enjoy their entertainment experience without the need to touch possibly contaminated surfaces. Customers will use a QR code in their smartphones, in lieu of a paper movie ticket.
According to KBank, the contactless technology adopted by MAJOR provides an enhanced experience and greater convenience for moviegoers while boosting the company’s sustainability.
The Chief Marketing Officer for the Major Cineplex Group, Narute Jiensnong, pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to require the implementation of stringent controls and preventive measures. Cinemas have been granted approval to open their doors under a “cinema new normal” format, wherein strict social-distancing rules and hygiene and safety measures must be in place.
To this end, MAJOR and KBTG have jointly developed the contactless technology for movie-ticket sales via automated machines. The e-ticket system responds well to the needs of moviegoers, giving them more confidence in going to the cinema. Paper tickets will become a thing of the past as film buffs go contactless and touchless.
They will get a QR code in their smartphones, easier and faster than being issued with paper tickets. The technology also allows them to “go green” by using less paper, thus helping to save energy and conserve the environment.
The contactless technology is also expected to help to cut MAJOR’s ticket issuance and printing costs by up to 50 per cent.
The innovation is in line with MAJOR’s “Green Cinema” program. The contactless technology will debut at Paragon Cineplex and Major Cineplex Ratchayothin on December 26, 2020, and will continue to operate thereafter. Major Cineplex says its development efforts will also continue, with many projects that have been developed in collaboration with strategic partners expected to be introduced throughout 2021.
KBTG Chairman Ruangroj Poonpol said his company and MAJOR had cooperated in the use of contactless technology to develop e-tickets, with the aim of offering a “touch-free” and safe cinema experience that met the current lifestyles of moviegoers.
The contactless technology was developed by KBank and KBTG, allowing patrons to select movies and seats, then make payment and scan the QR code shown at the self-service ticket kiosk to get a paperless movie ticket.
Ruangroj said the contactless technology offers moviegoers a safe cinema experience while enhancing the sustainability of MAJOR’s businesses, as it perfectly matches the “new normal” lifestyle of Thai consumers. It can also substantially reduce the use of paper and help to cut service costs. He said the contactless technology would also be suitable for other businesses wishing to offer similar contactless services, and suggested that interested parties should visit www.kbtg.tech/contact, then select Business/Partner Proposals.
KBank’s First Senior Vice President Supreecha Limpikanjanakowit said that the cooperation between KBank, KBTG and MAJOR, to use innovative contactless technology in the entertainment business, was the first effort of its kind in Thailand.
ReKeep technology is used to provide the digital movie-ticket service. This technology helps to reduce the use of paper and, thus, to mitigate climate change. It upholds personal safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic and is consistent with KBank’s strategies to promote a cashless society.
