As an instrument of mass media, the printing press has played an important role in society for a long time. Newspapers, in particular, are recognized as powerful institutions.
Thailand's first printing press came into existence during the reign of King Rama III and the Bangkok Recorder, a fortnightly publication, was the country's first newspaper.
Unfortunately it ceased operations just one year after its launch, coming back once more, however, during the reign of King Rama IV with official bulletins and news about the Royal Family, trade, medicine and science.
The history of the press in Thailand can be explored at the Thai Press Museum in Bangkok, which was initiated by the Thai Press Association in 1988 with support from Bangkok Bank, the Bangkok Bank Foundation and Thai Airways International.
Officially opened in 2001, it is the first specialized museum in Thailand aimed at providing knowledge and understanding of the evolution of the Thai press to the present day.
The Audio Visual Room is the first place worth a visit to appreciate the layout and composition of the museum, which comprises two sections.
The first section features the history of Thai newspapers from the reign of King Rama III to King Rama VII, including a list of newspapers of the day as well as the format for news presentations during each period of Thai history. Visitors to this section will get a sense of the work environment of the printing business in those days and, as such, gain a better understanding of newspaper production methods used in the past.
The second section features the political, economic and social roles of newspapers including publication of the Royal Gazette. Various other items of important news are found here such as the defamation of the judiciary, World War II, The People's Party, and the return of King Bhumibol Adulyadej to Thailand after his studies in Europe.
The Thai Press Museum also contains biographies of prominent figures in the Thai press. Included among many are Dr. Bladley, a pioneer of the Thai press; Prince Phitthayalongkorn, Thailand's great journalist and poet; M.R. Kukrit Pramoj, former Prime Minister and senior journalist, Issara Amantakul founder of the Reporters Association Thailand, known today as the Thai Press Association. Also Malai Choopinit, a famous thinker, writer and journalist and Thian Wan, the first Thai journalist to freely express his opinions.
Another important section of the museum features the role of the Thai monarchy toward newspapers. For instance, King Rama IV founded the Royal Gazette, Thailand's first newspaper. Daily newspapers came into their own during the reign of King Vajiravudh who laid down firm foundations for the Thai press as a powerful institution.
Thailand's present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, compared the duties of members of the press to those of the king, giving as an example the need to create a proper understanding among the general public. His Majesty touched on his desire to perform the duties of a journalist during his trip to the United States in 1963, when he gave an interview to a group of reporters in Washington D.C.
The Thai Press Museum also has a revolving exhibition room focusing on newspapers and magazines, over ten years old, in addition to copies of old newspapers and magazines from the National Library.
Admission to the Thai Press Museum is free, but visitors are advised to contact the museum in advance telephone number 02-669 7124 to 6
