219 Country Report: Information Network

Newspaper

ไทยรัฐ (Thai Rath)
Thai Rath is currently the largest newspaper in Thailand. The newspaper was founded by Kampol Watcharapol on December 25, 1962. It has a history of 45 years, and its daily circulation can reach 1 million copies. The daily edition is divided into two parts, the first: daily news, focusing on crimes, accident investigations. It also includes a large number: economic, political, and social news. Second: Sports Edition and Entertainment Edition. The newspaper has a news website.

It can be accessed at https://www.thairath.co.th/home

I chose this source of information because Thai Rath has a large readership and is considered one of the leading newspapers in the country. It covers a wide range of topics, including local and national news, politics, business, entertainment and sports, among others. As such, it is an invaluable source of information for those interested in gaining insight into current affairs and cultural trends in Thailand.

Bangkok Post
The Bangkok Post is an English-language daily newspaper published in Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of the oldest and most respected newspapers in the country. Founded on August 1, 1946, headquartered in Khlong Quay, Bangkok, it is part of Post Publishing Public Co. Ltd and focuses on providing news, analysis and commentary on local, national and international events. The Bangkok Post covers a wide range of topics including politics, business, sports, entertainment and lifestyle. It is widely read by both Thai and international readers, making it a great source of information for those interested in gaining insight into current events and trends in Thailand and the wider region.

It can be accessed at https://www.bangkokpost.com/

Bangkok 101

Bangkok 101 is a popular English-language magazine that focuses on culture, lifestyle, and travel in Bangkok, Thailand. It covers a wide range of topics, including food, arts, music, fashion, events, and local happenings. Bangkok 101 provides insights and features on Bangkok’s diverse cultural scene, hidden gems, and unique experiences in the city. Bangkok 101 was founded in 2003 by a group of writers and editors with a passion for Bangkok’s culture, lifestyle, and vibrant arts scene. It provides insights, features, interviews, and reviews written by local and international contributors who are knowledgeable about the city’s culture and lifestyle. Bangkok 101 is a monthly print magazine that can be found at various locations throughout Bangkok, such as cafes, hotels, restaurants, and bookstores.

It can be accessed at https://www.bangkok101.com/

I chose this source of information because Bangkok 101 is a magazine that specifically focuses on Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. It provides insights, features, and recommendations about the city’s culture, lifestyle, and events, which can be useful for individuals interested in exploring Bangkok or learning more about the city’s unique offerings. Bangkok 101 is published in English, making it accessible to English-speaking readers who may be looking for information about Bangkok in English. This can be particularly useful for expats, tourists, or individuals who prefer English as their language of choice for consuming news and information.

Sarakadee Magazine

Sarakadee Magazine was founded in 2000 by a group of editors and writers who aimed to provide readers with a comprehensive source of inspiration for lifestyle-related topics. The magazine covers various aspects of lifestyle, including fashion trends, beauty tips, travel recommendations, home decor, food and drink, health and wellness, and more. It features articles, features, interviews, and visual content that cater to a broad audience interested in different lifestyle topics. Sarakadee Magazine is a monthly print publication that can be found at various locations in Thailand, such as bookstores, cafes, hotels, and other outlets. It also has an online presence with a website https://www.sarakadee.com/ that provides digital content, including articles, features, and recommendations.

I chose this source of information because Sarakadee Magazine has been around since 2000, which indicates its longevity and establishment as a lifestyle magazine in Thailand. It has a well-established print publication that can be found at various locations in Thailand, which may indicate its popularity and recognition among readers.

New Media

Global voice

Global Voices is an international website open to bloggers and citizen journalists from all over the world to follow and report. Voices for All began as a not-for-profit global citizen media initiative. Global Voices has a group of regional editors who gather and select topics of interest and content that also focuses on non-Western regions with underrepresented voices. Global Voices’ purpose is to empower communities that can connect two languages or cultures. Therefore, Global Voice maintains a close relationship with Western mainstream media, bringing some neglected news to the mainstream media, and making more people aware of events happening in various regions of the world.

As for Thailand, Global Voices has a strong presence with a dedicated team of contributors who cover a wide range of topics related to the country’s politics, culture, human rights, social issues, and more. Global Voices of Thailand provides a platform for Thai writers and bloggers to share their insights, opinions, and experiences with a global audience, often shedding light on lesser-known aspects of Thai society and providing alternative perspectives on key issues. Through its coverage of Thailand, Global Voices seeks to foster understanding and dialogue, promote freedom of expression, and contribute to a more nuanced and diverse understanding of the country and its people. Global Voices of Thailand serves as an important platform for Thai voices to be heard on a global stage and facilitates cross-cultural exchanges and conversations between Thailand and the rest of the world.

Access Global Voices here: https://globalvoices.org/-/world/east-asia/thailand/

The reason I chose Global Voices is that this platform does not require strong professionalism like other media. On the contrary, Global Voices was established in the hope of providing a perspective for ordinary people to observe the world. This makes the news on Global Voices have a more civilian perspective than other media, and is closer to the lives of the public. And Global Voices is committed to showing some corners of the mainstream news that have not been noticed, and to speak for the voices of underrepresented regions. Its diversity is unmatched by other media.

Siam Voices

Siam Voices is a popular blog that provides analysis and commentary on Thai politics, society, and culture. It offers critical insights and alternative perspectives on current events, political developments, and social issues in Thailand. Siam Voices covers a wide range of topics, including politics, human rights, freedom of expression, social justice, and cultural trends. The blog features articles written by a team of contributors, including academics, journalists, and experts who provide diverse viewpoints on Thai issues. The content on Siam Voices often goes beyond mainstream narratives and offers in-depth analysis, critical opinions, and thought-provoking commentary on various aspects of Thai society and politics.

It can be accessed at http://www.verythai.com/siam-voices-asian-correspondent/

New Mandala

New Mandala is a popular online platform that provides analysis, commentary, and academic insights on Southeast Asian politics, including Thailand. It covers a wide range of issues related to politics, society, culture, and economics in the region, with a particular focus on the political developments and social issues of Thailand and its neighboring countries. New Mandala was launched in 2006 by a group of scholars and researchers who aimed to provide a platform for critical and independent analysis of Southeast Asian affairs. The platform features articles, opinion pieces, research papers, and multimedia content from a diverse range of contributors, including academics, journalists, and experts in Southeast Asian studies. The content on New Mandala often goes beyond mainstream narratives and offers alternative perspectives on various issues, including politics, human rights, democratization, ethnic and religious conflicts, environmental challenges, and social justice. The platform aims to foster open and informed discussions on Southeast Asian affairs and contribute to the understanding of complex political and social dynamics in the region.

It can be accessed at https://www.newmandala.org/thailand/

I chose this source of information because New Mandala is an independent platform that is not affiliated with any particular political or commercial interests. It is not constrained by external pressures or biases, which allows for a more objective and balanced analysis of Southeast Asian politics, including Thailand.

Social Media Sources

LINE

LINE is an instant messaging and social media software that originated in Japan but is very popular in Thailand, similar to WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and WeChat. Launched in Japan in 2011, LINE quickly gained a broad user base in other Asian countries, especially in Thailand. LINE has very close media relations in Thailand. Due to the large number of LINE users in Thailand, many media organizations will open their own official accounts on LINE, and use the LINE platform to publish news, current affairs comments, entertainment information and other content. At the same time, many media organizations will also cooperate with LINE to provide its users with richer services. For example, some newspapers and TV stations in Thailand will provide live news, column comments and interactive games on LINE to attract more users’ attention and participation. Such as Prachatai (ID: @prachatai) and Khaosod (ID: @khaosod). Prachatai is an independent online media outlet in Thailand that covers human rights, politics, and social issues. They share news, articles, and analysis on their LINE account, providing critical insights into various aspects of Thai society. Khaosod is a well-known Thai news outlet that covers a wide range of topics, including politics, current events, culture, and lifestyle. They share news updates, articles, and videos on their LINE account, providing comprehensive coverage of Thai news and issues.

It can be accessed at https://line.me/en/

I chose this source because it is the most mainstream new media software in Thailand. It has a very large number of users in Thailand, and it has almost become one of the essential tools in every Thai’s daily life. According to statistics, the number of LINE users in Thailand has exceeded 50 million, accounting for more than 70% of the country’s mobile social media market. This figure also far exceeds other social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. In Thailand, almost all information transfers use LINE as the carrier. So for those who want to understand Thailand, this software is essential.

Facebook

Facebook has a large and diverse user base in Thailand, with millions of active users across different age groups, regions, and demographics. It is particularly popular among the younger generation and urban populations. Facebook is a common source of news and information in Thailand. Many traditional media outlets, as well as alternative news sources and bloggers, have official Facebook pages where they share news articles, videos, and other content related to Thailand. Facebook has also become a platform for citizen journalism, with users sharing news updates, photos, and videos about events and incidents in real-time. Facebook has had a significant impact on the political and social landscape in Thailand. It has been used as a platform for political expression, activism, and social movements, with users discussing and debating various political and social issues. However, it has also been subject to government regulations and censorship, with some content deemed as violating local laws or deemed as inappropriate or offensive being removed.

It can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/thaikingdom/

YouTube

YouTube is a popular social media platform in Thailand. YouTube is widely used by content creators in Thailand to share videos on various topics, including entertainment, lifestyle, travel, beauty, gaming, and more. Many Thai YouTubers have gained a significant following on the platform, creating diverse and engaging content for their audiences. YouTube is used as a source of news and information in Thailand. Many media organizations and news agencies have official YouTube channels where they share news updates, interviews, and documentaries. Some independent journalists and citizen journalists also use YouTube as a platform to share their investigative reports and opinions on current events and social issues. YouTube has a strong community aspect in Thailand, with users engaging through comments, likes, shares, and subscriptions.

It can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/

Data Sources

National Statistics Office (NSO)

The National Statistics Office is the official government agency responsible for collecting and compiling statistics for Thailand. As such, it is a reliable source of information on a range of topics related to the country’s economy, demography, society and environment. NSO is responsible for providing accurate and reliable data on a range of topics, including demographic, economic, social and environmental. NSO collects data through surveys, censuses, and administrative data sources and makes this information available in reports, publications, and online databases. NSO’s website provides a wide range of data and information on a variety of topics, including demographics, labor force surveys, economic indicators, tourism and more. Data provided by NSO is widely used by government agencies, researchers, businesses and the general public for decision-making, policy development and analysis.

It can be accessed at http://www.nso.go.th/sites/2014en

The reason why I choose this data source. Because it can describe the situation in various fields of the country in a comprehensive and detailed manner. The ONS is transparent in its data collection and analysis process and its publications and reports are readily available to the public. This makes its data easily accessible and usable by researchers, policymakers and the public.

Bank of Thailand (BOT)

The BOT is the central bank of Thailand. The Bank of Thailand provides a wide range of data related to the Thai economy, monetary policy, financial stability, and more. They offer various statistical reports, publications, research papers, and data sets that can be downloaded for free from their website. Additionally, the Bank of Thailand also publishes regular economic updates, financial indicators, and statistical data on their website, which can be useful for conducting economic research or analysis.

It can be accessed at https://www.bot.or.th/English/Pages/default.aspx

The Thailand National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC)

The Thailand National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) is a government agency responsible for national economic planning and development in Thailand. The NESDC provides various reports, publications, and statistical data related to Thailand’s economic performance, social indicators, development plans, and policies. The NESDC periodically releases National Economic and Social Development Plans, which outline the government’s strategies, policies, and targets for Thailand’s economic and social development. These plans often include data on key economic indicators, such as GDP growth, employment, inflation, poverty, education, health, and more.

It can be accessed at https://www.nesdc.go.th/nesdb_en/main.php?filename=index

Visual and Audio Sources

The National Broadcasting Services of Thailand

The National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, also known as NBT, is a public television and radio network operated by the Thai government. As a public broadcaster, NBT serves as an important source of information for the Thai people, providing news, educational programming, cultural shows, and entertainment. By watching programs on Thai TV, people can learn about the latest situation and trends in Thailand’s society, politics, economy, culture, etc., as well as discussions and analysis of various events and topics. In addition, TV news and programs can also provide people with practical information and suggestions on travel, food, shopping, lifestyle. As a government-run organization, NBT is expected to maintain a certain level of objectivity and impartiality in its reporting. However, like any media outlet, its coverage can be influenced by political and social factors. Therefore, it is important to view NBT’s content with a critical eye and to seek out other sources for balanced coverage and analysis.

Thai PBS

Thai PBS is a public television station in Thailand that operates under the supervision of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), which is a government regulatory body for broadcasting and telecommunications in Thailand. Thai PBS was established in 2008 as a public service broadcasting station with a mission to provide independent and unbiased news, current affairs, cultural programs, and educational content to the Thai public. It covers a diverse range of topics, including politics, social issues, culture, history, and more. Thai PBS aims to provide independent and unbiased news and programming, free from political or commercial influence. It strives to be a credible and reliable source of information for the public, adhering to professional journalistic standards.

It can be accessed at https://www.thaipbs.or.th/home

Channel 3

Channel 3 is one of the leading free-to-air television stations in Thailand. It has a long history and has been a prominent player in the Thai media landscape. Channel 3 was established in 1969 as the first commercial television station in Thailand, owned and operated by the Bangkok Entertainment Company Limited, a private media company. Over the years, it has become one of the most well-known and widely watched television stations in Thailand, with a large audience base. Channel 3 offers a diverse range of programming, including dramas, variety shows, news, entertainment, reality shows, and more. It covers a wide range of topics, including news, sports, lifestyle, and popular culture, catering to the interests of the Thai audience.

It can be accessed at https://ch3plus.com/

I chose this source because Channel 3 is one of the most well-known and widely watched television stations in Thailand with a large viewership base. It has a strong presence across the country and is considered one of the most popular television stations in Thailand.

Additional Sources

World Bank Data is an online platform that provides access to a wide range of development data and indicators for countries around the world. The data, compiled by the World Bank and its partners, are used to track progress towards development goals and inform policy decisions. The platform provides data on a variety of topics, including poverty, education, health, infrastructure, environment and finance. Users can access data in different formats, such as charts, tables, and maps, and can download datasets for further analysis. The platform is regularly updated with data and information, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, policymakers and anyone interested in development issues. These data are freely available on the World Bank data website.

It can be accessed at https://data.worldbank.org/country/TH

Thailand Business News (TBN)

Thailand Business News was founded in 2009 and has its headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. It was established with the aim of providing comprehensive and reliable coverage of Thailand’s business and economic news for both local and international audiences. Thailand Business News primarily covers news and analysis related to Thailand’s business and economy. Topics covered include macroeconomic trends, industry updates, investment opportunities, trade policies, and financial developments. Thailand Business News publishes content in English, making it accessible to both local and international audiences.

It can be accessed at https://www.thailand-business-news.com/

I chose this source because TBN publishes content in English, making it accessible to both local and international audiences. This can be beneficial for non-Thai speakers who are seeking reliable information about Thailand’s business and economy.

The Nation

The Nation is an English-language newspaper that was founded in 1971 and is based in Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of the prominent and oldest English-language newspapers in Thailand and has a long history of providing news and information to both Thai and international readers. The Nation Thailand covers a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, lifestyle, entertainment, sports, and more. It is known for its independent and balanced reporting, providing coverage on various aspects of Thai society, politics, and culture. It also has a strong social media presence, with active accounts on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where it shares news updates and engages with its readers.

It can be accessed at https://www.nationthailand.com/