Welcome to the land of Lakorn, folks! If you’ve never heard of it, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Lakorn (ละคร) is the most popular genre in Thai media. It’s basically a soap opera on steroids. These bad boys can run for up to 200 episodes, and they’ve got everything from love triangles to evil stepmothers to time travel (because why not?).
The actors are basically superstars, and the Thai people are so devoted to them that they’ll camp outside the TV studio just to catch a glimpse of their favorite heartthrob. But Lakorn is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Thai media สื่อไทย (sʉ̀ʉ that).
From spicy news to hilarious game shows, Thailand has a media scene that’s as diverse and exciting as its food. So buckle up, grab some sticky rice, and let’s explore the wild world of media and the Thai language in this country together!
The Scintillating Word Of Thai Media
The mass media สื่อมวลชน (sʉ̀ʉmuanchon) in Thailand is diverse and dynamic, encompassing television, radio, newspapers, online media, magazines, cinema, and advertising. The Thai media landscape is dominated by major networks and publications, which produce a wide range of programming and content, including news, soap operas, variety shows, music, and movies.
Thai media also includes online news outlets and social media, which have gained popularity among netizens. The advertising industry in Thailand is strong and creative, with companies using various mediums to reach consumers. Come, let’s explore each category, what they have to offer and the Thai vocabulary associated with each of them.
Television (Thoorathát – โทรทัศน์)
The Thai television industry is a major player in the country’s media landscape, with several major networks, including Channel 3, Channel 7, Channel 9, and Channel One, dominating the scene. Popular genres include soap operas (known as Lakorn), game shows, variety shows, and news programs.
One of the most popular TV shows is Bupphaesannivas, or ‘Love Destiny’, a romance Lakorn that gained a huge following across Asia. Top actors and actresses in the Thai TV industry include Mario Maurer, Nadech Kugimiya, and Yaya Urassaya, who have become household names thanks to their appearances in popular shows. The Thai TV industry is known for its high production values, intense dramas, and comedic game shows.
| English | Thai | Roman Transcription |
|---|---|---|
| Television | โทรทัศน์ | Tho-rá-tát |
| Channel | ช่อง | Chôrng |
| Program/ Show | รายการ | Raai-gaan |
| Series | ซีรีส์ | Sii-rii |
| Drama | ละคร | La-khawn |
| Follow | ติดตาม | Dtìt-dtaam |
| Watch | ดู | Duu |
| Browse | เลือกชม | Leûak chom |
| Variety show | วาไรตี้ | Waa-raai-dtîi |
| Game show | เกมโชว์ | Game chôw |
| Live broadcast | รับชมแบบสด | Ráp chom bàep sòt |
| Shopping channel | รายการซื้อขาย | Raai-gaan súe-kăai |
| TV station | สถานีโทรทัศน์ | Sà-thăa-nii tho-rá-tát |
| TV screen | จอทีวี | Jåå tii-wii |
| Thai-dubbed | พากย์ไทย | Paak-ka-yai |
| Thai subtitle | ซับไทย | Sáp-tai |
| Channel 3 | ช่อง 3 | Ch̀xng 3 |
| Channel 7 | ช่อง 7 | Ch̀xng 7 |
| Channel 9 | ช่อง 9 | Ch̀xng 9 |
| Channel One | ช่องวัน | Ch̀xng wạn |
Radio (Withyu – วิทยุ)
The Thai radio industry is an important part of the country’s mass media, with a wide range of stations catering to different audiences and interests. Popular genres include Thai music, news, talk shows, and religious programming. FM 91.5 is a popular music station that plays a mix of international and Thai songs, while FM 100.5 is known for its news and talk shows.
Other popular radio channels include FM 95, which plays mostly Thai pop music, and Eazy FM, which features a mix of international and Thai hits. Many radio channels also have online streaming options, making it easy for listeners to tune in from anywhere.
| English | Thai | Roman Transcription |
|---|---|---|
| Radio | วิทยุ | Wi-tá-yú |
| Radio station | สถานีวิทยุ | Sà-thăa-nii wi-tá-yú |
| Radio program/ show | รายการวิทยุ | Raai-gaan wi-tá-yú |
| Listener | ผู้ฟัง | Pûu-fang |
| Talk show | พูดคุย | Pûut-khui |
| Song | เพลง | Plaaeng |
| On-air person | จากสถานีวิทยุ | Jàak sà-thăa-nii wi-tá-yú |
| Live broadcast | สด | Sòt |
| Sound | เสียง | Sĭang |
| Listen | รับฟัง | Ráp fang |
| Call-in show | เสียงเรียก | Sĭang riiak |
| Studio | สตูดิโอ | Sà-dtoo-dio |
| Interview | สัมภาษณ์ | Săm-paa-sà-năa |
| Switch (channels) | สลับ | Sà-làp |
| Long-wave radio | วิทยุฟังยาว | Wi-tá-yú fang yăao |
Newspaper (H̄nạngs̄ụ̄xphimph̒ – หนังสือพิมพ์)
The Thai newspaper industry is a prominent part of the country’s media landscape, with several major players dominating the scene. Popular genres include local and international news in Thai, business, sports, and entertainment. The Bangkok Post is one of the most widely read English-language newspapers, covering a wide range of topics from politics to lifestyle.
The Nation is another English-language newspaper, known for its in-depth analysis of current affairs and business. Thai Rath is a popular Thai-language newspaper, featuring news, entertainment, and sports. Other notable newspapers include Daily News, Matichon, and Khao Sod.
| English | Thai | Roman Transcription |
|---|---|---|
| Newspaper | หนังสือพิมพ์ | Năng-sĕu pímp |
| Thai newspaper | หนังสือพิมพ์ไทย | Năng-sĕu pímp tai |
| News | ข่าว | Kàao |
| News analysis | ส่องข่าว | Sòng kàao |
| Front page | หน้าหนังสือ | Nâa năng-sĕu |
| Headline | หัวข้อ | Hŭa-khórk |
| Article | บทความ | Bòt-khuaam |
| Feature article | สารคดี | Săan ká-dii |
| News desk | โต๊ะข่าว | Tóa kàao |
| Entertainment | บันเทิง | Ban-thoe-ng |
| Foreign | ต่างประเทศ | Dtàang bprà-taet |
| Politics | การเมือง | Gaan-meuuang |
| Education | การศึกษา | Gaan-sùek-săa |
| Finance | การเงิน | Gaan-ngern |
| Full story | ข่าวฉบับสมบูรณ์ | Kàao chà-bàp sŏm-buuròon |
| Front-page story | หนังสือพิมพ์ฉบับปก | Năng-sĕu pímp chà-bàp bpòk |
| Illustration | ภาพประกอบ | Paa-phá kòp |
| Journalism | วารสารศาสตร์ | Wārs̄ārṣ̄ās̄tr̒ |
| Journalist | นักข่าว | Nạkk̄h̀āw |
| Reporters | ผู้สื่อข่าว | P̄hū̂s̄ụ̄̀xk̄h̀āw |
| Reporting | การรายงาน | Kār rāyngān |
| Published | ที่ตีพิมพ์ | Thī̀ tī phimph̒ |
| พิมพ์ | Phimph̒ | |
| Press freedom | เสรีภาพสื่อ | S̄erīp̣hāph s̄ụ̄̀x |
Online Media (S̄ụ̄̀x xxnlịn̒ – สื่อออนไลน์)
Thai online media is a rapidly growing sector of the country’s media landscape, with a diverse range of platforms and apps available. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are hugely popular among Thai netizens, who use them for everything from staying connected with friends and family to following news and entertainment updates. Popular Thai news websites include Sanook, Kapook, and Khaosod, which cover local and international news, as well as lifestyle and entertainment.
Online shopping is also a major trend in Thailand, with platforms like Lazada and Shopee offering a wide range of products at competitive prices. In recent years, online streaming services like Netflix and LINE TV have gained popularity, offering Thai viewers access to a range of local and international shows and movies.
| English | Thai | Roman Transcription |
|---|---|---|
| Websites/ Sites | เว็บไซต์ | Wép-săai |
| Blog | บล็อก | Blók |
| Social Media | โซเชียลมีเดีย | Soh-chíaal mee-dii-a |
| เฟสบุ๊ค | Fâet-búk | |
| ทวิตเตอร์ | Tá-wít-dtuuh | |
| Line | ไลน์ | Lain |
| Youtube | ยูทูป | Yuu-tuup |
| อินสตาแกรม | In-staa-graam | |
| App | แอปพลิเคชั่น | Aep-plí-ke-chân |
| Communication channel | ช่องทางการสื่อสาร | Châawng-taang-gaan-sûuea-saan |
| Podcast | เสียงสะพานปลาย | Sĭang sà-pan bplaai |
| Download | ดาวน์โหลด | Daao lòt |
| Update | อัปเดต | àp-dèt |
| Video clip | คลิปวิดีโอ | Khliip wi-dii-oo |
| Online service | บริการออนไลน์ | Borí-gaan on-lai-n |
| Screen | หน้าจอ | Nâa jor |
| Access rights | สิทธิ์การเข้าถึง | Sìt káan khăo-tŭeng |
| Target group | กลุ่มเป้าหมาย | Glùm bpâo-măai |
| Technology | เทคโนโลยี | Ték-noh-loh-yii |
| Search engine | การค้นหา | Gaan khón-hăa |
Magazine (Nitys̄ār – นิตยสาร)
The Thai magazine industry is a vibrant part of the country’s media landscape, with a diverse range of publications catering to different interests and Thai audiences. Popular genres include lifestyle, fashion, entertainment, and news. Hi! Magazine is a popular English-language publication that covers celebrity news and lifestyle topics.
Prestige Thailand focuses on the luxury lifestyle, featuring profiles of high-end products, destinations, and people. Other popular magazines include Women’s Weekly, a lifestyle publication for women, and FHM Thailand, a men’s lifestyle and entertainment magazine.
Most magazines also feature Thai folk art and culture. So if you’re into that, then browse some magazines on the local bookstore.
| English | Thai | Roman Transcription |
|---|---|---|
| Magazine | นิตยสาร | Nít-tá-yá-săan |
| Publication | ชุดพิมพ์ | Cchút pímp |
| Publishing house | สำนักพิมพ์ | Sămnák pímp |
| Special edition article | บทความเล่มพิเศษ | Bòt kwaam lêm pí-sèt |
| Writer | นักเขียน | Nák-khǐan |
| Photograph | ภาพถ่าย | Paa-páa-tàa-yǎi |
| Documentary | สารคดี | Sǎan ká-dii |
| Review | รีวิว | Rii-wiio |
| Critic | นักวิจารณ์ | Nák wí-jaa-n |
| Distribution channel | ช่องทางการจัดจำหน่าย | Châawng-taang gaan jàt jà-nàai |
Cinema (Rong h̄nạng – โรงหนัง)
Popular genres in Thai cinema include romantic comedies, action films, horror movies, and historical dramas. Thai films have gained international recognition in recent years, with hits like ‘Bad Genius’, a heist thriller that was widely praised for its originality and slick production values, and ‘Homestay’, a horror film that won critical acclaim for its intelligent storytelling.
Top actors and actresses in the Thai film industry include Mario Maurer, Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, and Naphat Siangsomboon, who have gained a huge following thanks to their appearances in popular films.
| English | Thai | Roman Transcription |
|---|---|---|
| Film | ภาพยนตร์ | Paa-páa-yon |
| Cinema | โรงภาพยนตร์ | Rong paa-páa-yon |
| Actor/ Actress | นักแสดง | Nák-sà-dǎeng |
| Director | ผู้กำกับ | Pûu gam-gàb |
| Dubbing | เสียงพากย์ | Sǐang paa-gǐi |
| Scene | ฉาก | Chàak |
| Film soundtrack | ดนตรีประกอบภาพยนตร์ | Don-dtrii bprà-gòrp paa-páa-yon |
| Filming | การถ่ายทำ | Gaan tàai-tam |
| Backdrop | ากหลัง | Chàak lǎng |
| Depth of content | ความลึกของเนื้อหา | Kwaam-lûek kǎwng núe-hăa |
| Concept | แนวคิด | Næwkhid |
| Develop | พัฒนา | Phạtʹhnā |
| Audience | ผู้ชม | P̄hū̂ chm |
| Investors | นักลงทุน | Nạk lngthun |
| Release date | วันที่วางจำหน่าย | Wạn thī̀ wāng cảh̄ǹāy |
| Production | การผลิต | Kār p̄hlit |
| Film set | ชุดฟิล์ม | Chud fil̒m |
How Do You Say Media In Thai?
The Thai word for media is สื่อ (sʉ̀ʉ)
If you want to talk about Thai media, you can say ‘Thai media is …’ or Sʉ̀ʉ thay khʉʉ สื่อไทยคือ
Other Vocabulary For Media In Thai
Now that you know how to say ‘Thai media is …’ in Thai, you can try practicing talking about Thai grammar with these example sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Media
Who Owns Thai Media?
Major television stations are owned and controlled by the Royal Thai Army, MCOT, and the government.
What Social Media Do Thais Use?
In Thailand, social media platforms such as Facebook and Line have become integral to daily life. Many businesses utilize these platforms to connect with consumers and promote their products.
Does Thailand Have A Newspaper?
Some prominent Thai newspapers include Thai Rath, Daily News, Khao Sod, Matichon, and Thairath. English-language newspapers include Bangkok Post, The Nation, and Pattaya Mail, catering to both Thai and expatriate readers. Thailand has a diverse range of newspapers catering to different language groups and regions.
Learn Thai With Ling
The Thai mass media reflects the country’s culture, values, and interests and plays an important role in shaping public opinion and discourse. You can learn much more about the Thai mainstream media culture on the Ling platform with the help of well-curated language-learning content available on it.
And to take one step further in your learning journey, we would suggest you get your hands on the Ling app that boasts language-learning experiences in 60+ languages! Not only that, you get to have fun as you learn the ABCs of a new language, all thanks to its gamified interface and fun features like bite-sized lessons, cool quizzes, and interactive exercises.
