How did you become an operator?

Before this, I was a DJ in Samui for three years. I wasn’t a big fan of Bangkok because of its terrible traffic and I couldn’t stay in one place very long so I traveled all over the country as a DJ. It was a huge change for me, from being a night owl to an office worker. The first few days were quite rough. I came to work like a zombie and wasn’t happy at work at all. I wanted to quit.

How come you’re still working there today?

I changed my attitude and realized being an operator is similar to being a DJ—that is, just being myself. When I was at the turntable, I entertained people with music almost without speaking a word. As an operator, I also entertain people, but purely with my words. I can talk to the customers directly and make them happy to watch a movie with us.

What do you love about the job?

First, I just like to show the potential of a human operator, which is so much better than those pre-recorded, computer generated calls. I also love hearing laughter from the people I talk to. But most of all, I love the mystery of being an operator. People who talk to me, they only hear my voice but never see my face. That makes them curious: what do I look like? Where do I work? Many customers call so often I can remember their voices and tell them the movies showing right away without their asking. I’ve met some of them, though. One of them even brings me khao lam (sweet sticky rice) from Nong Mon, Bangsaen, every time he comes to town.

How do you feel about many new and luxurious cinemas opening recently?

I believe most Thai people watch movies just for fun and to experience some action. We offer the same movies with comfortable chairs and popcorn, too, but at a much lower price. But really, it’s up to every individual how they choose to watch their films.  

So is Lido actually closing down?

I honestly don’t know. A lot of people have asked me but I believe it’s not going to happen any time soon. I still feel very attached to this place and to every person working here—we are like a family. But if it were to really close down, I would miss my customers the most. I might never see or know them, but I will surely remember their voices. 

What’s so charming about Lido?

Lido and Scala have all been here for a very long time, long before most buildings in the neighborhood. I think it is an old cinema with a classic quality that can never be erased.