Rise of Digital Journalism in Thailand

Quick answer: Digital journalism has grown steadily in Thailand, with outlets such as Prachatai English, Thai PBS, Khaosod English and Coconuts publishing online, often in English. If you want to work in this field, you can do a journalism internship in Thailand, writing blog and social media content, press releases and newsletters, and conducting interviews.

Journalism has changed its forms in numerous ways with the introduction of technology and the digital age. With its core values still intact, journalism has embraced the digital age and adapted itself to continue reporting on news that affects people at a national and international level.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional forms of journalism made adjustments to how they provide news to the public (From: InfoQuest Limited). Some news media have adopted a hybrid technique of supplying hard copies of newspapers and providing the news online as well.

However, not everyone is able to do this. This would mean that most of the time, these news media would have to cease production of hard copies and shift to an online presence permanently.

An internship abroad in this field is a great opportunity because you will be able to experience and learn about all the ways media grows and develops. Digital media is on the rise and will change the way we consume news.

Digital Journalism in Thailand

In Thailand, digital journalism has grown in popularity for a while now. With new technology being developed at a fast pace and a population with a huge appetite for digital consumption, journalism is bound to be successful, no matter its shape or form.

The Thai media has managed to make the necessary changes and adjustments to how they present their content to the public online. While the pandemic has made it harder for businesses to cope with the changes, the media industry is working hard to make the necessary changes in order to survive in the changing economy.

Fig. 1 Digital Journalism (Source: Pexels)

Why are Thai readers moving online?

The future for traditional media looks bleak in comparison to other industries. It has been in a steady downward spiral for a while now, but the pandemic has accelerated this process. Due to the large usage of social media and the internet among the public in Thailand, many consume their news online, and it is mostly in English.

Seeing this, a handful of Thai news media are providing their news online. Some of these news media include Prachatai English, Thai PBS and Khaosod English. These are news media organizations that mainly report on social and political news occurring in the country. Another news outlet that is on the rise in Thailand is Coconuts. This company mostly publishes lifestyle news, food and destinations in the country.

How is social media changing Thai news?

News media and journalism in Thailand is constantly evolving and will continue to do so in the near future. The use of social media in news reporting is increasing. This has resulted in the reach of news to a wider audience at a faster pace. Some of the social media frequently used by news organizations in Thailand are Twitter, Facebook and Clubhouse.

Are you ready for an internship in Thailand?

An internship in Thailand is an exciting opportunity. It provides you with a chance to learn more about the unique dynamics of your society and the world. And with new platforms for providing news to the public, the roles and responsibilities within this industry will also change.

Therefore, it will be beneficial to your future career to start learning about the new dynamics within the industry to get a head start. Starting your internship in Thailand is a great chance to experience the media industry at the heart of a diverse region in terms of politics, social and cultural values.

You will be exposed to an international environment where you can grow your professional network. Media companies active in Thailand when this article was written included Coconuts and Burda International Asia Region. They are examples of the local industry, not a list of AIP host companies.

Fig 2. Online Newspaper (Source: Pexels)

What does a journalism intern in Thailand do?

As an intern in the news industry, you will be required to draft blogs, social media posts and write some website content on the latest trends and current issues. You will be writing some press releases, editorials and newsletters.

You will also get the chance to conduct interviews and reach out to relevant contacts during your internship.

Why do a journalism internship in Thailand with AIP?

An internship abroad with AIP can open up plenty of opportunities. Starting your internship in journalism in Thailand will give you a great chance to grow your network. We look for a host company that fits your goals, and if we accept you and can't place you, you get your full deposit back.

An internship abroad with AIP gives you international knowledge both at a professional and personal level. You will get the chance to explore the country and learn all about the history and culture of the country during your internship.

Start your internship abroad with AIP today and experience the world from a whole new perspective. You will be able to grow and expand your horizons, make new acquaintances and friends and boost up your resume.

How do I apply for an internship in Thailand?

Start with a free call with a career advisor, then choose the program that fits you: Explorer, Traveler or Pioneer. Finding your placement takes about 8 weeks from your deposit, so apply with a start date at least 12 weeks away. If your start date is less than 12 weeks away, you need AIPx Fast Track. Every program includes visa assistance and 24/7 emergency support.

FAQs

Is digital journalism growing in Thailand?

Yes. Many Thai readers get their news online through websites and social media, and a good share of that coverage is in English. The pandemic sped up the move away from print.

Which Thai news outlets publish in English online?

Examples named in this article are Prachatai English, Thai PBS and Khaosod English for social and political news, and Coconuts for lifestyle, food and destinations.

What does a journalism intern do in Thailand?

Typical tasks include drafting blogs, social media posts and website content on current topics, writing press releases, editorials and newsletters, and conducting interviews with relevant contacts.

Do I need to speak Thai to do a journalism internship in Thailand?

No. Our host companies in Thailand work in English, so you can do the job in English. A few Thai words help in daily life.

Do I need to be a student to intern in Thailand?

No. Students, recent graduates and young professionals can all apply. You need to be 18 or over for an in-person internship and able to work in English.

Want to see what life and work in Bangkok look like? Read about internships in Thailand or see how AIP works.