Bangkok Post

Bangkok Post
source
Name	Bangkok Post
Type	Daily newspaper
Format	Broadsheet
Founded	1946
Founders	Alexander MacDonald
Owner	Post Publishing PLC
Headquarters	Bangkok
Language	English

Bangkok Post The Bangkok Post is an English-language daily broadsheet founded in 1946 and headquartered in Bangkok. It serves readers among expatriate communities, diplomatic missions such as the Embassy of the United States, Bangkok, international businesses including Chevron Corporation and Unilever, and academic institutions like Chulalongkorn University and Thammasat University. The newspaper covers topics related to Thai politics involving figures such as Prayut Chan-o-cha, regional affairs with references to ASEAN and Aung San Suu Kyi, and international events like the Iraq War and the Southeast Asian Games.

History

The paper was launched shortly after World War II during a period shaped by leaders like Plaek Phibunsongkhram and global shifts exemplified by the United Nations charter. Early decades intersected with events such as the Cold War and domestic episodes like the 14 October 1973 uprising and the 1976 Thammasat University massacre, which influenced press freedoms and reporting practices. Coverage over time included major regional developments such as the Vietnam War, the Asian Financial Crisis (1997), and the 2006 Thai coup d'état that brought attention from international media outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian. Editorial leadership interacted with figures from Siam Commercial Bank and regulatory frameworks linked to institutions such as the National Press Council of Thailand.

Ownership and Organization

The Bangkok Post is published by Post Publishing PLC, a publicly listed company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its board has included executives connected to corporations such as Siam Commercial Bank and media groups comparable to The Nation Multimedia Group. Organizational structure features departments for news, business, features, and opinion, with editors who liaise with foreign correspondents from outlets including Reuters, Agence France-Presse, and the Associated Press. Distribution logistics coordinate with transport hubs like Suvarnabhumi Airport and printing partnerships similar to those used by regional publishers in Malaysia and Singapore.

Editorial Policy and Content

Editorial stance has navigated complex interactions among political actors such as Thaksin Shinawatra, the People's Alliance for Democracy and the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship. Coverage spans reporting on Thai institutions like the Constitution of Thailand and legal matters involving the Constitutional Court of Thailand. Cultural sections highlight arts and personalities including Apichatpong Weerasethakul and events at venues like the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Business pages track corporations like PTT Public Company Limited and markets such as the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Opinion pages feature contributions referencing international frameworks such as ASEAN Economic Community debates and comparisons with media in Hong Kong and Japan.

Circulation and Distribution

Circulation has been influenced by competition from outlets such as The Nation and international titles like Financial Times. Readership metrics include diplomats from missions such as the British Embassy, Bangkok and corporate subscribers including Standard Chartered and HSBC. Distribution networks extend to hotels like Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok and tourist centers such as Khao San Road, while export copies reach embassies and libraries including the United States Information Service collections and university libraries at Harvard University and University of Oxford.

Digital Presence and Innovations

Digital initiatives responded to global trends set by platforms like The New York Times Digital, social networks such as Facebook, and search services including Google News. The paper developed an online edition, mobile applications, and multimedia content comparable to offerings from BBC News and Al Jazeera English. Partnerships with content providers, syndication with agencies like Bloomberg and interactive features similar to those used by The Washington Post have been part of its digital strategy. Analytics employ metrics akin to those from Comscore and advertising integrates with regional exchanges such as Google Ad Manager.

Controversies and Legal Issues

The Bangkok Post has faced disputes tied to high-profile legal episodes involving figures such as Thaksin Shinawatra and rulings by the Constitutional Court of Thailand, as well as libel and defamation matters that drew attention from legal scholars at Thammasat University Faculty of Law. Reporting during political crises, including the 2010 Thai protests and the 2014 Thai coup d'état, provoked scrutiny from press freedom advocates like Reporters Without Borders and discussions in forums hosted by Human Rights Watch. Regulatory challenges involved interactions with bodies comparable to the National Council for Peace and Order and raised debates in international media law circles at institutions such as the International Press Institute.

Category:English-language newspapers published in Thailand Category:Newspapers established in 1946