
The Thailand Post newspaper is the oldest English-language newspaper in Thailand, with a rich history dating back to 1904. It has been a trusted source of news and information for over a century.
The newspaper is published daily, Monday to Saturday, and covers a wide range of topics including politics, business, sports, and entertainment. With a circulation of over 100,000 copies, it reaches a significant audience in Thailand and beyond.
One of the notable features of the Thailand Post is its in-depth coverage of local news and events, making it a valuable resource for both locals and expats living in Thailand. Its articles are written in clear and concise English, making it easy for readers to understand.
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Editorial Stance
The Bangkok Post has been accused of self-censorship to avoid controversy or conflict with powerful individuals, including adherence to the country's strict lèse-majesté law.
The newspaper has also been known to take positions that are generally favorable to the government, such as during the early 2000s and after the Thai election of 2011. It took a largely anti-Thaksin position aligned with the Yellow Shirts and the Democrat Party.
The Bangkok Post has a letters page where expatriate and Thai regulars exchange opinions on local and international concerns, with more than half of its total readership being Thai nationals.
Editorial Stance Timeline:
1946: The Bangkok Post was established.1966: Bernard Trink's Nite Owl column was published.2004: The Nite Owl column was discontinued.2011: The newspaper took a largely anti-Thaksin position after the Thai election.
Political Views
Thai Post has a history of biased reporting in favor of Thai conservatism and nationalism, often using sensational and misleading headlines to attack government opposition and critics.
The newspaper was involved in a high-profile lawsuit in 2003, where it was named as a co-defendant along with media rights advocate Supinya Klangnarong for comments made about the Shin Corporation, which was then majority-owned by the family of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The lawsuit was eventually dropped after the Thaksin family sold its shares in Shin Corp.
Thai Post has also been accused of self-censorship to avoid controversy or conflict with powerful individuals, including adherence to the country's strict lèse-majesté law, which prohibits open criticism of members of the Thai Royal Family.
In contrast, the Bangkok Post has been known to take positions that are generally favorable to the government, particularly during the early 2000s. After the Thai election of 2011, the paper took a largely anti-Thaksin position aligned with the Yellow Shirts and the Democrat Party.
Here are some key differences between Thai Post and Bangkok Post's editorial stances:
Bangkok Post columnist Andrew Biggs views the Post as the "more staid" of the two dailies, while noting that both publications have been champions of democracy, with The Nation being "just a little more vocal about it."
Social Commentary
As we navigate the complex world of editorial stances, it's essential to consider the social commentary that often accompanies them. This commentary can be a powerful tool for sparking important conversations and challenging societal norms.
Many editorials take a stance on issues like social justice, equality, and human rights. For instance, an editorial on the importance of affordable healthcare might highlight the struggles of low-income families to access medical care.
The language used in social commentary can be a reflection of the editorial's tone and audience. A more formal tone might be used when addressing a professional audience, while a more conversational tone might be used when engaging with a general readership.
Editorials often aim to persuade readers to adopt a particular point of view or take action on an issue. By presenting facts and statistics, editorials can build a compelling case for their argument. For example, an editorial on climate change might cite data on rising temperatures and extreme weather events to make the case for urgent action.
The social commentary in editorials can also be influenced by the author's personal experiences and perspectives. This can add depth and nuance to the commentary, making it more relatable and engaging for readers.
Box Evolution
The post box evolution in Thailand is a fascinating story. The first post boxes in Thailand date back to 1883 and were of a square, distinctly Chinese-derived design. One of these original post boxes still exists on the island of Phuket.
These early post boxes were later replaced by the famous cast-iron pillar boxes, which were first introduced in Thailand in 1911. Most of these came from Great Britain and, later, Singapore. The design of these boxes was modified in 1926 to a larger, boxier shape with increased capacity.
A smaller version of the post box was introduced in 1953, and in 1973, the first post boxes with separate compartments for "Bangkok" and "Other Places" began to be distributed around the country.
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History and Evolution
The history of boxes is a long and fascinating one. The earliest known boxes date back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of wooden boxes used by the Egyptians around 3000 BC.
In the early days, boxes were primarily used for storage and transportation. As trade and commerce grew, so did the need for more durable and versatile boxes.
The introduction of paper and cardboard in the 19th century revolutionized box-making. These new materials allowed for the mass production of boxes, making them more widely available and affordable.
By the mid-20th century, plastic boxes had become a common sight. Their water-resistant and lightweight properties made them ideal for packaging and shipping goods.
The development of specialized boxes, such as shipping containers and storage units, has continued to evolve over the years. Today, we have a wide range of box options to suit different needs and purposes.
Changes in Format
The introduction of the first corrugated box in the mid-19th century revolutionized packaging, making it lighter and more durable.
The original boxes were made of wood, which was expensive and difficult to work with. The new corrugated material was a game-changer.

The first paperboard boxes were introduced in the late 19th century, offering greater strength and stiffness than their predecessors. They quickly gained popularity.
By the early 20th century, paperboard boxes had become the standard for packaging goods. Manufacturers began to experiment with new shapes and sizes.
The development of folding cartons in the 1920s enabled the creation of more complex and intricate designs. This marked a significant shift in packaging design.
The introduction of plastic packaging in the mid-20th century brought new challenges and opportunities. Manufacturers had to adapt to the changing landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the major newspaper in Thailand?
Thai Rath is Thailand's most influential newspaper with a circulation of approximately one million. It is a leading source of news and information in the country.
Is Bangkok Post still printed?
The Bangkok Post is still in publication, but its print edition is not as prominent as it once was, with a focus on digital content.
Which major newspapers is based in Bangkok?
Bangkok is home to several major newspapers, including Thai-language publications like Thai Rath and Matichon, as well as English-language papers like Bangkok Post and The Nation. These newspapers cover local and national news, serving both locals and expatriates.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Post
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkok_Post
- https://markspostcards.wordpress.com/2023/01/06/evolution-of-the-thai-post-box/
- https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/phuket-sandbox-welcomes-first-tourists-in-thailands-post-covid-strategy/6NTBGAUE7NRRE2TQBQJ7HCVTEA/
- https://thethaiger.com/news/national
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