Newspapers and Media Guide for Expats
Thailand’s press freedom has been consistently ranked highest in South East Asia, though there really isn’t much competition.
Thailand has two main English language newspapers: Bangkok Post (http://www.bangkokpost.com) and The Nation. Both are professionally run and excellent newspapers with skilled journalists and have won several prestigious awards over the years. Choosing one over the other is a question of personal preference.
The Bangkok Post is the child of an American editor as far back as 1946. The newspaper employs both Thais and foreigners. The Nation is over 30 years old and is more dominated by Thai employees and editors. The Bangkok Post is traditionally more popular with expats as many feel it has more of a Western touch, while The Nation has been known to be more critical of the government and elite. The Bangkok Post is perhaps more international while The Nation has more focus on local news. Both The Nation and the Bangkok Post deliver to your home or office.
While both The Nation and Bangkok Post have very good business sections, Business Day is considered to be the best option if you are looking for a business newspaper.
Occasionally, new English language newspapers appear, but rarely survive in the competition with the two established papers. For other Asian news there are papers such as Asian Wall Street Journal and Far East Economic Review.
It’s also possible to get newspapers from your home country in expat areas, though they will be a day or two old. There are of course several Thai newspapers, but few expats learn the Thai language well enough to really be able to read them. They include:
- Thai Rath: http://www.thairath.co.th
- Daily News: http://www.dailynews.co.th
- Khao Sod: http://www.matichon.co.th/
The best place to find newspapers and magazines is in bookstores such as Kinokuniya, which has shops in Emporium near Phrom Phong, Siam Paragon and Central World.
