File photo for reference only

 

In a striking revelation by Thailand's Education Ministry, it was announced that Thai readers now engage with digital media for an average of 152 minutes each day. This represents a significant shift from traditional reading habits, with time spent on physical books averaging just 51 minutes daily. The announcement coincided with International Literacy Day, an occasion aimed at emphasising the importance of literacy in today's digital age.

 

The celebration of International Literacy Day on September 8, first established by Unesco in 1966, serves as a global reminder of the pivotal role literacy plays in driving national development. This year, the theme "Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era" comes as validation of the growing prevalence of online reading and digital learning platforms.

 

Suthep Kaengsanthia, the permanent secretary of the Education Ministry, elaborated on this trend during Monday’s announcement. He emphasised that digital media has become a cornerstone for both literacy and education. The shift towards online content not only reflects changing preferences but also underscores the adaptability required in learning environments today.

 

A key factor in this digital transformation is the rise of short-form content. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube, with their bite-sized clips and reels, are increasingly favoured by readers. Suthep noted that these formats are particularly effective in capturing and maintaining attention. Their brevity allows for efficient communication of information, making them ideal tools for educational purposes.

 

The ministry recognises that while long-form books hold intrinsic value, the ability of concise and engaging media to promote learning cannot be overlooked. In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions are plenty, providing content that is both informative and captivating is essential.

 

In light of these findings, the Education Ministry is taking proactive steps to incorporate digital literacy into national educational strategies. This involves not only enhancing access to digital platforms but also fostering critical thinking and media literacy skills among students. By doing so, learners can better navigate and appreciate the vast amount of information available online.

 

The Ministry believes that equipping students with these skills will empower them to become informed and responsible digital citizens. Such an approach will ensure that they can discern credible information from misinformation, an increasingly necessary skill in the digital era.

 

While digital media consumption continues to rise, concerns about the decline of traditional reading persist. Physical books, with their tactile and immersive experience, offer a different kind of engagement that digital media cannot fully replicate. Educators and policymakers are therefore tasked with finding a balance that encourages digital literacy without sidelining conventional reading habits.

 

Strategies to promote a blended learning approach, combining the strengths of both digital and traditional mediums, are gaining traction. By celebrating and utilising the advantages of each, the Education Ministry hopes to foster a comprehensive reading culture that benefits all aspects of learning.

 

As Thailand navigates this digital revolution, the focus remains on maintaining a harmonious relationship between new and traditional forms of media. By embracing the advancements digital platforms offer, while cherishing the timeless appeal of books, the country aims to cultivate a diverse and enriched educational landscape.

 

The challenge lies in ensuring that as society becomes increasingly digitally oriented, it does not lose sight of the value that traditional literacy still holds. The coming years will likely see more innovative strategies as educators and institutions continue to adapt to an ever-evolving digital landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-09

 

 

Lightweights.

Some AN members spend their whole life online.

Engaging with digital media and reading online are not the same thing.

I am wondering how they got this number of 152 minutes a day. That means two and a half hour a day. Indeed they are reading their socials, but more time the will not have. In 20 years of teaching I have never seen a student reading a book other than their lesson books. Maybe it is different in international and private schools.

I don't think so.

My experience they WATCH TikTok, Facebook or chatting on Line.

READING doesn't seem to be skills of most Thais.

But ....isn't it similar to "our" countries nowadays?

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a striking revelation by Thailand's Education Ministry, it was announced that Thai readers now engage with digital media for an average of 152 minutes each day.

Reading Tik-Tok I can agree,

14 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

I am wondering how they got this number of 152 minutes a day. That means two and a half hour a day. Indeed they are reading their socials, but more time the will not have. In 20 years of teaching I have never seen a student reading a book other than their lesson books. Maybe it is different in international and private schools.

 

I told my director to tell the parents not to buy school books for my classes any more. I print daily worksheets instead. The students NEVER looked at their books except during the actual class time. We wasted too much time passing out books that were kept in piles in the back of the classroom. This saves me time and the parents money which makes everyone happy (except for the book sales companies but the corruption involved with them is a whole other topic).

1 hour ago, HappyExpat57 said:

 

I told my director to tell the parents not to buy school books for my classes any more. I print daily worksheets instead. The students NEVER looked at their books except during the actual class time. We wasted too much time passing out books that were kept in piles in the back of the classroom. This saves me time and the parents money which makes everyone happy (except for the book sales companies but the corruption involved with them is a whole other topic).

 

Good job. 

My wife is on her phone 24 hours a day.

Are these people lost? Thais do not engage in social media reading anything that will teach them something.. They watch vdos and read comments before posting their own. 

This should improve their grammar, markedly.

 

On 9/9/2025 at 12:04 PM, snoop1130 said:

traditional reading habits, with time spent on physical books averaging just 51 minutes daily

Who would believe that