Increase in internet reading experiences
In the digital age, reading habits are evolving, and this is particularly true for Thai readers. The Education Ministry recently announced a trend of increased online reading among Thai readers, a development that was highlighted on International Literacy Day, observed on Sept 8.
This year's theme for International Literacy Day is "Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era," a reminder of the growing importance of online learning and the role of digital media in both literacy and education. The ministry's permanent secretary, Suthep Kaengsanthia, emphasized the significance of digital platforms in shaping reading habits, particularly short-form content like TikTok clips or YouTube Reels under four minutes, which he believes are more effective at capturing attention than long-form material.
The strongest digital platforms influencing Thai reading behaviour include popular social media and short-form content platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and LINE, which are widely used in Thailand. The most popular short-form content read by Thais includes news snippets, entertainment updates, and viral videos primarily consumed through TikTok and Facebook feeds.
Despite the growing trend, Suthep Kaengsanthia did not discuss the average time spent reading online or reading books by Thai readers. However, it's worth noting that Thai readers spend an average of 152 minutes a day reading online, while the time spent reading actual books is 51 minutes per day.
The trend of increased online reading underscores the impact of digital platforms on reading habits, a point that Suthep Kaengsanthia did not explicitly mention in his statement. Yet, it's clear that digital media is central to both literacy and education, as emphasized by the Education Ministry's permanent secretary.
International Literacy Day serves as a reminder of literacy's role in national development, a topic that Suthep Kaengsanthia did not discuss in his statement. However, the theme of this year's International Literacy Day, "Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era," underscores the growing importance of online learning in the modern world.
In conclusion, the digital era is reshaping reading habits among Thai readers, with short-form content and popular social media platforms playing a significant role. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to evolve and what impact they will have on literacy and education in Thailand.
