After 7 decades, Thai Chinese-language newspaper stops printing

With the ink used up, blank sheets rolled off the press as Shi Jie Ri Bao (the Universal Daily News), a Chinese-language newspaper catering to Thais of Chinese lineage, published its final edition in Bangkok.

At the height of its popularity, the paper played a vital role in connecting ethnic Chinese Thais with their heritage and the broader Chinese-speaking world. 

But by the end of 2024, readers of traditional Chinese – a more challenging version of the language that the Universal Daily News used during its seven-decade existence – were hard to find. Its final edition, dated Dec. 31 but printed the night before, totaled 1,000 copies. 

“At its peak, we had distribution networks spanning the north, central and southern regions of Thailand, and even neighboring countries. Freshly printed newspapers were flown to Myanmar,” a senior editor who requested anonymity over citizenship concerns, told BenarNews. 

In addition to distribution in large Chinese communities in Bangkok including Yaowarat and Charoen, newsstands sold single copies of the newspaper.

Because it did not have a website, the Universal Daily News’ staff of about 10 writers, translators, typesetters and printers lost their jobs and were unsure if they would find similar work elsewhere. Chinese-language newspapers in Thailand have dwindled to just five – Sing Sian Yer Pao, Kia Hua Tong Nguan, Tong Hua, Sing Zhong Yian and Asian News Times. 

History

Founded in 1955 by Chin Sophonpanich, the pioneering Thai-Chinese businessman behind Bangkok Bank, the Universal Daily News initially was supported by Gen. Phao Siyanon, a controversial Thai police chief. The publication was known for its anti-communist stance and right-leaning political commentary. 

After a 1957 military coup forced Phao into exile, ownership of the newspaper shifted to a group of ethnic Chinese merchants who supported Taiwan. This marked the beginning of its evolution into a conduit of information for the Chinese diaspora in Thailand.

In 1975, Taiwan’s government sent a former ambassador to Thailand to chair the publication, bolstering its mission to counteract the influence of mainland China during a time when Beijing was isolated from much of the world. By sourcing news directly from four major newspapers in China, the Universal Daily News became a bridge for Chinese-Thais to access uncensored information about the mainland, the editor said. 

In 1986, Taiwan’s United Daily News acquired the paper in Bangkok. This led to restructuring and increased coverage from mainland China. 

“We had dedicated correspondents in China who provided firsthand reports. Our writers then adapted these for our readers. This was critical at a time when the Chinese diaspora in Thailand sought connections to the mainland,” the editor said. 

As time passed, the newspaper struggled to sustain its readership. 

“The younger generations of Chinese-Thais read Thai fluently, so the need for Chinese-language newspapers has diminished,” the editor said, noting that the rise of digital media exacerbated the decline.

Unlike the Universal Daily News, which stuck to traditional Chinese, other media use the simplified version favored by more readers and that became popular over the years after the communists came to power in China in 1949.

The newsroom attempted to adapt, including restructuring its operations, but ultimately, it could not keep pace with changing times. 

“Online news may be one factor, but the real reason is the shrinking audience for Chinese-language print media in Thailand,” the editor said.

Media landscape shifts 

Virot Ali, a political science professor at Thammasat University, attributed the decline of the Universal Daily News to the rapid shift from print to digital media. “The disruption caused by digital transformation has made print newspapers unsustainable,” he said.

Virot also highlighted a geopolitical factor – the growing influence of mainland Chinese media in Thailand. 

“In recent years, mainland China has established media offices in Thailand, producing news in Thai, English and Chinese. This serves to improve China’s image and strengthen its influence among local and expatriate communities,” he said. 

These outlets include the China News Service and local Chinese-language platforms such as Thailand Headlines and Vision Thai.