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How the Thai press covered the latest mass bombings - August 6, 2006
This week saw one of the largest waves of bombings in the deep south stretching again into three districts of Songkhla. This wave of bombings was lightly reported in the Thai-language press, not rating a front-page headline in most of the dailies.
The disinterest in the Thai-language press comes in the face of stories more interesting to the Thai public, such as the recovery of Thai King after surgery and the crash involving vehicles in the Prime Minister's motorcade. That "bandits" or "bad guys" continue to disrupt life in the deep south is not as interesting to the public after three years.
The lighter coverage in the Thai press translates to lighter coverage in the English-language Thai press as well. The English-language dailies largely base their coverage on watered-down versions of stories in the Thai-language press. Thai-language articles are converted to versions relevant and understandable to a Westernized audience. In the process many details are omitted.
This means even sparser coverage in the international press. Stories on Thailand in the international press are created by rewriting material from the Bangkok Post and the Nation and adding some background material. This is how the latest widespread demonstration of violence in the Thai deep south was hardly noticed outside of Thailand.Above: Komchadluek, August 2 - The headline reads: Turmoil in the four southern provinces - Burning a rubber factory - Shooting - Bombing expands to Songkhla (Province)
Left: Krungtep Turakit, August 2 (back page) - Article title on the bottom left: Bad guys create turmoil in the South - Burn more than 70 spots and bomb houses
Right: Thai Rath, August 3, 2006 - The bottom half of the front page features prominent photos of the wrecked cars in Thaksin's motorcade
Vehicles in Thai premier's motorcade crash, injuring 3; PM unharmed - The Star Online, August 2, 2006
Two vehicles traveling in Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's convoy crashed with a passenger car Wednesday, injuring two security officials and a civilian, police said. The prime minister was unharmed...
[And note the unflattering photo from The Nation of Thaksin explaining the event.]
Left: Komchadluek, August 3, 2006 - The headline reads: Turmoil overnight - Bombing train tracks - 3 officers dead and one seriously injured - Even a medical team luckily escaped injury
At the top right is a photo of a wrecked vehicle from Thaksin's motorcade.
Right: Krungtep Turakit, August 2 (back page) -The article title on the bottom half of the page reads: 4th army sums up the 118 spots (that were attacked) - Rubber factory burned
The main photo is of a police petrol truck that was attacked in the deep south.
Left: Phujatkan, August 3 - Photo of the Thaksin motorcade crash
The King leaves the hospital - August 6, 2006
The Thai dailies continue blanket coverage of the King's hospitalization.
Interest in the Monarchy is still at a high from last month's 60th anniversary celebrations and Thai-language newspapers continue to produce lavish supplements featuring photos of the royals.Right: Thai Rath, August 6, 2006
Left: Matichon, August 6, 2006
Left: Daily News, August 6, 2006
The Ramakien fight - August 6, 2006
Thai-language dailies also featured screen captures on their front pages of the "Ramakien fight" between Thai rock stars in New York.
Right: Thai Rath, August 6, 2006
Below: Daily News, August 6, 2006
Fist fight on stage was 'a disappointment' - Bangkok Post, August 5, 2006
A high-profile fist fight between musicians at the recent opening of the Ramakien in New York was a disappointment, Apinan Poshyananda, the director-general of the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, said yesterday.
The fight between Seksan Sookpimai, better known as Sek Loso, and Krissada Sukosol Clapp, or Noi, from pop-rock outfit Pru took place on stage in front of a 1,000-strong audience during the first of the three performances of Ramakien: A Rak Opera staged at LaGuardia Theatre as part of the prestigious Lincoln Centre Festival...
More: Unlocking the Thai world: Thai-language newspaper headlines
