No fewer than seven English-language newspapers began and ceased publication between 1844 and 1877. The King, himself a skilled writer, used several pen names to write newspaper articles commenting on issues of the day. Thai publishing at present is a lively business. A glance at any ordinary news-stand reveals hundreds of different local newspapers, magazines, and paperback books on every conceivable subject. Many foreign best-sellers are translated into Thai soon after their appearance abroad.
Publications often change constantly through time.
Magazines and newspapers will adhere to certain current topics of popular interest to the public. By that nature, they may continue or cease operation as they deem fit. Among the well established Thai language newspapers, Thai Rath has the largest circulation and, like most other newspapers elsewhere, is inclined towards sensational news. Its chief competitors, Daily News and Matichon have also won a fair degree of popularity among the Thai readers who often demonstrate the distinctive taste for both entertainment and information. Magazines in both English and Thai will cater to a wide spectrum of tastes.