THAILAND'S HISTORY IN HEADLINES

A new book has been published that depicts major events in Thailand since 1946 through newspaper headlines.
Chronicle of Thailand, published by Editions Didier Millet and Post Publishing, features 1,800 images, illustrations and cartoons in addition to 2,300 headline stories.
Dr. Wissanu Krea-Ngam, Chairman of the Editorial Advisory Board and former Deputy Prime Minister, says: "The book offers, in a visually exciting format, a view of events as they unfolded including the coronation of His Majesty, the Vietnam War, the October 1973 uprising, economic booms, great sporting moments, unforgettable tragedies, as well as quirky aspects of daily life just happening to make headlines."
The 444-page volume will be available in bookshops throughout Thailand and via Amazon from 18th November. The cover price is 1,450 baht.

Thanks to Absolutely Bangkok for the information.

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PRINT TO "FADE AWAY" SAYS EXPERT

Magazines and newspapers in Thailand are expected to "fade away", according to Khun Kanokkarn Prachongsaengsri, deputy director for research and information analysis department, IPG Mediabrands.
Khun Kanokkarn was quoted in The Nation yesterday as saying that "a higher number of readers of newspapers in Thailand were accessing e-news, and even more if there were heated political developments, and the trend is quite the same for e-magazines."
I strongly disagree with Khun Kanokkarn's assertions.
It's a fact that advertising spending on print media has declined this year, however the number of new publications appearing has, if anything, increased this year. There are no official figures but I'm seeing an average of at least 10 new magazines each month at the moment.
Another fact is that advertisers and media buyers are not supporting the online ventures of the traditional publishers to any great degree. Ad spend online accounts for a fraction - less than one per cent - of all advertising. Until that changes there will be no seismic shift away from print.
Internet penetration also remains low and, for many, expensive. The only way to get news to much of the Kingdom is by television, radio and print.
It's true that print publishers are facing challenges and are increasingly making use of online tools to spread reach their readers and their brands, however to say the industry is 'fading away' is simply not true.

Have your say. Do you agree with Khun Kanokkarn that print will disappear? Why are new print launches in Thailand increasing? How can publishers ensure their online activities generate revenue? Leave a comment and join the debate.

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TWO FREE MAGS TARGET BACKPACKERS

Backpackers are firmly in the sights of two free English magazines I discovered for the first time last weekend. Both magazines appear to have debuted earlier this year and are seemingly in direct competition.
Backpacker South East Asia is bi-monthly and the current November-December edition runs to 50 pages. It boasts a lot of advertising, to such an extent that it feels as though the text, in some places, is too cramped. The content would, I imagine, be useful for anyone planning a trip to Thailand, not just backpackers.
Khaosaner is a smaller, monthly magazine. The November edition runs to 30 pages but, like Backpacker it's also heavily advertised. The thing that lets this magazine down is its use of English. It's obviously not had the benefit of a native English proofreader.
Both magazines, understandably given their target readers, are available around Khao San Road and other areas frequented by backpackers and budget travellers in Bangkok. Both would also do well to consider overseas distribution for those planning trips to this part of the world. Although an added expense it would likely result in wider exposure and, in turn, additional advertising revenue.

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NATION GROUP: 16.74MB OPERATING PROFIT

Nation Multimedia Group Public Company Limited has recorded a pre tax profit of 16.74 million baht for the three months ending September 30, 2009. After allowances for obsolete stock and income tax the company reported a small 3.34 million baht loss. This compares to a 57.36 million baht loss for the same period in 2008.
In details released to the Stock Exchange of Thailand today the company reported a decline in print advertising of 21 per cent from the same period last year, however there increases in advertising revenue from its television operation (up 45 per cent) and new media (up 149 per cent).
Revenues from newspaper circulation were down 14 per cent whereas circulation revenues from comic books, magazines and pocket books dropped 44 per cent. There was a 38 per cent decline in revenues from printing and logistics.
however cost of sales and operating expenses were also down, largely driven by a 56 per cent drop in sales promotions expenses and a 27 per cent decline in paper and production costs.

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TWO NEW LICENSED MAGS FOR THAILAND

Two local language editions of global magazines made their debuts in Thailand last weekend.
Martha Stewart Living is published by Post Publishing and sells for 100 baht. The debut November edition runs to 168 pages, a mere 16 of which would appear to be paid-for advertising. The magazine is bright and airy, and looks to be taking most of its content from the U.S. parent edition. I'm assuming the level of local content will increase over time.
When this deal was announced in mid-August I questioned whether Martha Stewart has any kind of brand image in Thailand? Nothing I've learned since then has changed my view that she's not significantly well known here to make this magazine compulsory reading. I've shown this magazine to a few people in the last couple of days and their reaction has always been "Who is Martha Stewart?'
Also making its debut this week is the Thai edition of the popular football magazine Four Four Two. This is also the 12th edition of this magazine brand to appear around the world.
Published by Plus One, the debut November edition sells for 100 baht and contains 126 pages - just 13 of which would appear to be revenue-generating.
This magazine appears to include a much greater percentage of local content. There's an interview with British Ambassador and West Brom fan Quinton Quayle, as well as a decent level of coverage from the Thai Premier League and cup final.
One criticism, which can be leveled at a lot of magazines, is the increasing amount of "lifestyle" content appearing. It's included because, in many cases, advertisers demand it but it detracts from the overall concept, in my view.

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NO PROBLEMS FOR THE ECONOMIST

Copies of this week's edition of The Economist (November 6-14th) have been distributed to subscribers and bookshops as normal, despite my earlier predication that it might face problems.
The story in question. "Financial scandals in Thailand: Getting Their Man", makes mention of the rumours that sparked a seven per cent fall in the Stock Exchange of Thailand last month. It also goes one step further when describing those rumours concerning His Majesty the King, and that was my reason for thinking this edition would face problems.
I was wrong, and copies are on sale as normal his week for 230 baht.

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A PREDICTION ABOUT THE ECONOMIST

I'm almost certain this week's edition of The Economist will yet again face distribution problems in Thailand.
Given the events of this week that have seen three people arrested for allegedly disseminating "false" news reports that led to a fall in the Stock Exchange of Thailand, combined with the magazine's track record that has seen distribution of the print edition in Thailand disrupted six times in 2009 to date, you don't need to be a genius to see how a story in this week's edition is likely to cause the problems.
In the past the publishers have sometimes taken the decision to halt distribution of the magazine without the need for the two distribution companies responsible for subscriber and news trade copies inside Thailand having to make a decision. It wouldn't be a surprise to see that happen on this occasion too.

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