BBC launched a digital news service in Thailand

A ‘pop-up’ BBC digital news service launched in Thailand on 10 July, providing Facebook users in the country with a news stream.

The online service will provide content in Thai and English as a news stream for social media. Its launch follows the military coup in May when international channels including BBC World News TV were taken off air temporarily. 

“One of the fundamental principles of the World Service is to bring impartial and accurate news and to countries when they lack it. We think the time is right to trial a new Thai and English digital stream to bring trusted news and information to people inside Thailand,” said Liliane Landor, controller of language services, BBC World Service.

“Thailand is one of the most digitally advanced societies in South East Asia and this means we can set up this operation quickly and cost-effectively.”

Out of a population of 67 million, Thailand has 24 million Facebook users, with over 13 million in the capital Bangkok. The country also boasts 96 million mobile subscriptions.

The pop-up news operation will initially run for a period of three months, launching at 6.30pm Thai time on Thursday 10 July.