Vertical Series Offers Thai Content Growth Path to Global Markets

Thailand's government identifies vertical series—short smartphone dramas in 9:16 format—as a growth opportunity for its content industry, as the global market surges to $18 billion in 2025 with China controlling 77 percent of sales.

3d ago Khaosod

Thailand's Office of Trade and Strategic Policy identifies vertical series—a rapidly growing global format—as a key opportunity for the Thai content industry to expand its identity internationally. Nanthapong Jiralertsphong, director of the Office of Trade and Strategic Policy, explains that vertical series are short dramas displayed in 9:16 aspect ratio specifically for smartphones and tablets, typically 1–2 minutes per episode, with fast-paced, easy-to-follow narratives punctuated by dramatic turns to maintain viewer interest.

The format meets the needs of modern consumers with limited time who want immediate content gratification and is gaining popularity worldwide, with China dominating the market. According to a joint report by China's state broadcasting authority and private sector partners on AI-driven micro-drama innovation, the global short-drama market is worth nearly $18 billion in 2025, while China's share alone reaches $14 billion—77.78 percent of the total. Other markets combined account for $3.6 billion.

Multiple countries show strong growth trajectories: South Korea's short-drama market was valued at $490 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2029, while India's market is expected to hit $1.5 billion in 2026 and grow at an average rate of 31 percent annually, reaching $4.5 billion by 2029.

Usage of vertical series applications is also climbing. China's Netcasting Service Association reported that Chinese users spent an average of 2 hours daily on short-drama apps during the first eight months of 2025, up 25.9 percent from January. Leading apps in China include Hongguo Short Drama, followed by Hippo Theater and Fanhua Theater. Outside China, foreign downloads of short-drama apps exceeded 730 million in the same period, a 370.4 percent increase year-over-year.

According to SocialPeta, the most popular global apps (excluding China) are Reelshort, DramaBox, ShortMax, and GoodsShort. Platforms typically generate revenue through four models: pay-to-unlock systems where viewers access the first 10–15 episodes free then purchase digital coins for additional content; subscription memberships; advertising; and affiliate marketing that allows merchants to embed purchase links.

Thailand's vertical series market currently lacks formal valuation but shows significant regional potential, though market research firm SocialPeta notes the assessment remains incomplete for the first half of the year.

No. 01 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Community

Young Musicians Seize Spotlight at FWD Music Live Fest 5

Gen Z student musicians performed alongside professional artists at FWD Music Live Fest 5, a major concert platform designed to help young performers develop their skills and pursue their musical dreams.

3d ago Khaosod

Performing on a major concert stage alongside famous artists represents a significant experience and an important step toward making musicians' dreams a reality.

FWD Music Live Fest 5 serves as a platform of opportunity, giving Gen Z students from various schools a chance to showcase their talents and gain meaningful experience on their musical journey, in an atmosphere of joy, fun, and shared passion.

A key highlight is the opportunity for young performers to take the stage at a large-scale concert, allowing them to practice, develop their skills, and learn from real-world experience performing before large audiences.

In (Peeriyaporn Jai Rungsee), lead vocalist, and Zoom (Pongsphirapra Prayurpat), guitarist, Grade 12 students from DSRU band at Ramkhamhaeng University Demonstration School, shared: "We went through tough auditions and rehearsals. Getting on a stage like this to play music in front of many people and standing on the same stage as artists we admire is an important opportunity. It's an experience that inspires us to keep developing our skills."

Blyde (Nannapat Pumsiree), lead vocalist, and Yufa (Thanakrit Sripanomwarn), keyboard player, Grade 10 students from Woodstock band at Thepchasrinint School, said: "We dreamed of performing on a big stage. FWD Music Live Fest 5 taught us how to perform at a festival and see how real artists work up close. This stage opened up a lot for us. Thank you FWD Insurance for giving students like us the chance to showcase our abilities."

Winnie (Mawinn Viriyayutmamm), lead vocalist, Grade 11 student, and Jing (Kittipitch Sangsitthisetying), bass player, Grade 9 student, from Mandrake band at Assumption School, said: "This is the biggest stage we've ever performed on. It's an important opportunity for students like us to prove ourselves and experience a real large-scale concert stage, which isn't easy to find. Performing alongside artists we admire is the motivation that pushes us to develop further."

Pavarisah Chumwikrant, Marketing Executive Vice President at FWD Life Insurance Public Company Limited, said: "This stage was created to give music-loving young people the chance to perform and learn from professional artists. Performing on the same stage as leading artists is an important step in developing skills and advancing toward the future. We hope this stage becomes the beginning of opportunity and another source of inspiration for music lovers."

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National

Agriculture Deputy Minister Tours Lampang to Boost Farm Cooperatives

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Piyarat Tiyapairat visited Lampang province to promote innovative farming policies and support agricultural cooperatives, distributing production materials to the Hang Chat Agricultural Cooperative, a leading

3d ago Khaosod

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Piyarat Tiyapairat and her delegation visited Lampang province on July 12, 2025, to present agricultural and cooperative policies, meet with farmers, and inspect the Hang Chat Agricultural Cooperative, where they distributed production materials. Welcoming officials included Kulthon Ratanaseri, director of the Khiw Lom-Khiw Khaw Maa water supply and maintenance project, and Athiw Thung Jet, director of the Lampang irrigation project.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is advancing development under the concept of "innovative agriculture for sustainable Thai farming," with five key policy areas: upgrading production through technology and innovation, increasing farmer income, developing farmer potential through reskilling and upskilling, market-led production, and systematic water resource management. She stressed the need for all sectors to support cooperatives as centers for product collection, value-added processing, and marketing, while integrating digital technology and innovation to reduce costs and adapt to climate change.

Hang Chat Agricultural Cooperative is the leading cooperative in its district and the only one in Lampang province with a rice mill and rice sales operations for both white and colored rice. Last year, it collected approximately 7,000 tons of paddy rice from members and processed over 717 tons of milled rice, while developing premium products including mineral spring rice and refined rice to add value for members. The cooperative's rice mill holds GHPs, HACCP, FDA, Thai industrial standards, and green cooperative mill certifications, and uses modern technology including color-sorting machines and UTD RF (BiO-Q) radio-frequency milling systems. The cooperative has 2,404 members, approximately 480 million baht in operating capital, and operates a complete agribusiness cycle including credit, savings, supply, product collection and processing, and member welfare services.

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Regional

Ancient Underground Temple Discovered at Doi Suthep Preserves Chiang Mai's Oldest Murals

Archaeologists uncovered a 700-year-old underground tunnel network at Wat Umong in Chiang Mai featuring remarkably preserved ancient murals and meditation chambers built during the Lanna Kingdom era.

3d ago Khaosod

Archaeologists have uncovered an extensive 700-year-old underground tunnel network at Wat Umong, one of Chiang Mai's most historically significant temples located at the foot of Doi Suthep. The temple was established by King Meng Rai in an area once known as "Eleven Bamboo Groves," and expanded by King Khuena with elaborate underground passages designed to provide monks a secluded meditation sanctuary. The vaulted passages feature remarkably preserved ancient murals depicting flora and fauna, along with scattered broken Buddha statues rescued from archaeological sites across Thailand. The complex showcases Lanna Kingdom Buddhist architecture influenced by Sri Lankan design principles, with its maze-like underground corridors and meditation chambers representing a major achievement of medieval Southeast Asian craftsmanship. Officials announced that Wat Umong will undergo high-standard digital restoration of its murals and receive international cultural promotion through partnerships with academic institutions. The discovery has drawn attention from heritage enthusiasts and cultural tourists interested in exploring the temple's spiritual and historical significance.

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National

Government Savings Bank Offers 70 Million Baht Prize

Government Savings Bank is offering 70 million baht in prizes, including seven 10-million-baht awards, through a final draw on July 16 for its 113th anniversary campaign. Customers can purchase special savings certificates online or at bran

3d ago Khaosod

Government Savings Bank is inviting the public to compete for 70 million baht in special prizes during the final draw of its 113th anniversary campaign. The largest prizes consist of seven 10-million-baht awards. Customers and the public can purchase special 1-year and 2-year savings certificates in physical or digital form until July 15, 2569, through the MyMo app or at any Government Savings Bank branch nationwide.

On July 13, 2569, Sompon Cheevapaññaro, director of Government Savings Bank, announced that the campaign "Celebrate 113 Years: Increased Prize Money, Increased Prize Count" has entered the final special draw round, featuring the campaign's largest prizes totaling 70 million baht divided into seven awards of 10 million baht each, to be drawn on July 16, 2569. The campaign was launched to mark the bank's founding anniversary and provide happiness and encouragement to the public during economic uncertainty, while also promoting savings discipline for long-term financial security.

Both new and existing certificate holders are eligible to compete, with higher purchase volumes increasing chances of winning. Previously, the bank held two special draws awarding 56 prizes worth 43 million baht, transferred to winners' accounts nationwide. The third and final draw will distribute the largest prizes totaling 70 million baht, bringing the entire campaign's special prize fund to 113 million baht. Certificate holders also remain eligible for regular periodic prizes according to each certificate type's conditions.

Government Savings Bank certificates offer a secure savings option with guaranteed returns at the bank's specified interest rate, fully guaranteed by the government for both principal and interest. Individual savers enjoy tax exemption benefits and opportunities to win regular periodic prizes and special prizes held at various occasions. Those seeking more information can visit www.gsb.or.th or contact GSB Contact Center at 1115.

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National

TAT and ZEEKR Launch EV Tourism Campaign Across Thailand

TAT and ZEEKR Thailand are launching a six-month electric-vehicle tourism campaign from August 2026 to February 2027, featuring curated journeys through Thailand's lesser-known destinations across the North, Northeast, South, and Bangkok re

3d ago TAT Newsroom

Bangkok, 13 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with ZEEKR Thailand on “Amazing Thailand in ZEEKR Luxury Way”, a six-month campaign using electric-vehicle journeys to spotlight lesser-known destinations, local culture and natural attractions across Thailand.

Running from August 2026 to February 2027, the campaign centres on the “Travel the ZEEKR Way” content series, featuring Northern Thailand, the Northeast, the South, Bangkok and nearby provinces. TAT’s first collaboration with ZEEKR Thailand supports quality domestic travel and wider adoption of lower-carbon transport.

Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said, “Thailand’s tourism growth must create stronger value for travellers, destinations and local communities. Under our Value over Volume direction, TAT is focusing on meaningful experiences that respect culture and the environment while strengthening the resilience of the tourism sector. Electric vehicles offer another practical travel option that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on conventional fuel.”

TAT will select routes and experiences that reflect the identity of each area, with an emphasis on destinations offering distinctive cultural, natural and community value. ZEEKR Thailand will provide electric vehicles for the journeys, enabling the campaign to present EV travel within real destination settings rather than as a standalone automotive experience.

The four themes will highlight different aspects of Thailand. “Northern Escape” will explore mountains, waterways, Lanna architecture and traditional crafts. “Isaan Stories” will present the Northeast through local lifestyles, music, food and everyday wisdom. “Southern Serenity” will feature coastal scenery, islands and restorative journeys by the sea. “Urban Retreat” will uncover lesser-known places in Bangkok and nearby provinces, connecting heritage, contemporary culture and short-distance travel.

Mr. Alex Bao, Managing Director for Southeast Asia at ZEEKR Thailand, said, “ZEEKR’s direction in Thailand is evolving from electric mobility towards a broader connection with lifestyle and travel. Working with TAT allows us to place our vehicles within journeys that reflect the diversity of Thailand and the changing expectations of travellers. We believe the travel experience should be as considered as the destination, with performance, safety and comfort supporting each stage of the journey.”

TAT and ZEEKR Thailand will jointly produce and distribute the series through Osotho magazine and TAT’s online platforms. Content will also be developed with creators from The Zecret Revealer, The Zecret Insider and The Zecret Visualizer groups to reach travellers interested in experience-led journeys and new domestic routes.

The campaign forms part of TAT’s 2026 domestic tourism strategy, which targets 202.42 million domestic trips and 1.07 trillion Baht in tourism revenue. It also supports TAT’s wider direction to connect tourism value with responsible mobility, broaden travel beyond established destinations and strengthen the contribution of domestic tourism to local economies.

The post TAT and ZEEKR chart EV tourism routes across Thailand appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

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Police

Police Bust Online Muay Thai Betting Ring Linked to Celebrity Figure

Police dismantled a major online muay thai betting ring in Bangkok on July 13, arresting six suspects and seizing assets worth 6.3 million baht after uncovering approximately 1 billion baht in annual money circulation through the illegal ne

3d ago Khaosod

At 11:30 a.m. on July 13, 2025, the Technology Crime Investigation Bureau announced the dismantling of an online muay thai betting network. Police arrested 6 suspects, seized 245 mobile phones, and confiscated assets valued at over 6.3 million baht.

The operation involved coordinated raids at six locations in Bangkok, including four residences on Nawamintr Road Soi 24 and two on Nawamintr Road Soi 42 in Bangkumthong District.

According to police, the network was run with a clear division of labor. It used a Facebook account under the name "Muay Hoo Neung Chai Wattana" to recruit members, collecting daily and monthly fees. Members placed online bets on muay thai matches through a LINE application called "Muay Pak Yok Variety." The network operator used multiple bank accounts to receive, hold, and circulate funds.

Financial tracking from September 10, 2024 to October 28, 2024 revealed money circulation of approximately 100 million baht per month, or roughly 1 billion baht annually. Some individuals within the network received suspicious transfers exceeding 80 million baht with no documentation supporting legitimate business activity.

The six arrested suspects include: Chai Wattana (name withheld), 34, who built credibility through social media and recruited members; Ms. Piyamal (name withheld), 33, who managed finances; Watchrapol (name withheld), 22; Veersak (name withheld), 27; Phakpol (name withheld), 23; and Chitrakorn (name withheld), 44, who posted promotional content and managed financial operations.

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Regional

Phuket Governor Orders Probe Into Wildlife Reserve Land Titles

Phuket Governor orders investigation into plans to issue land titles within a protected wildlife reserve, demanding transparency and legal compliance.

3d ago The Phuket News

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum has ordered an urgent investigation into the proposed issuance of land title deeds for public land within the Baan Ao Makham (Khao Khad) wildlife reserve area, insisting that any action must be transparent, fair and carried out in accordance with the law.

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Bangkok Beer Bar Fire Kills 27, Injures 63

A fire at a Bangkok beer bar near midnight on July 12-13 killed 27 people and injured 63 others, with victims admitted to 11 hospitals across the capital for treatment of severe burns and smoke inhalation.

3d ago Khaosod

At Rajavithi Hospital, Dr. Somruk Chaosamran, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, visited to oversee treatment of victims from the entertainment venue fire in the Ladprao district. He confirmed the incident occurred near midnight on July 12-13, 2025, at 3:26 a.m., with at least 27 confirmed deaths and 63 injured: 22 in critical condition, 33 in moderate condition, and 8 in minor condition, admitted to 11 hospitals including Rajavithi Hospital (11 patients), Phyathai Phaholyothin (11), Vimut (9), Ladprao (5), Paolo Kesat (5), Chulalongkorn (4), Ramathibodi (4), Petchvej (4), Police Hospital (2), Chokechai 4 (2), and others with one patient each.

Dr. Somruk noted patients suffered burn injuries and smoke inhalation requiring specialized burn ward and ICU care. He ordered all public health ministry hospitals in Bangkok and surrounding areas to prepare burn treatment units and ICU beds for patient transfers. Six hospitals currently have available beds: Thammasat Chulalongkorn (1), Noppharat Rajathanee (3), Vajira (1 burn/1 ICU), Siriraj (3 non-intubated), Bhumibol Adulyadej (1), and Chonburi (2 intubated).

Among the 11 Rajavithi patients, most have burn injuries with six in critical condition, one moderate, one minor, and three requiring no treatment. One green-condition patient was discharged, leaving seven admitted. Health Minister Patthana Prommapan expressed concern and ordered comprehensive care, planning to visit patients this evening.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Understanding Flashover and Backdraft Fire Explosions

A deadly beer hall fire in Bangkok on July 13, 2026 killed 27 people, likely caused by gas accumulation exploding in a sealed kitchen. The incident highlights flashover and backdraft—dangerous fire phenomena where fuel vapors ignite simulta

3d ago Khaosod

Understanding flashover and backdraft fire explosions—deadly fire phenomena with hidden explosive power—revealing factors and warning signs of imminent severe combustion. On July 13, 2026, a severe fire at a beer hall in the Ladprao area in the early morning hours resulted in 27 deaths and 63 injuries. Video footage captured intense flames erupting violently from the shop entrance, believed to have been caused by gas accumulation in a sealed kitchen before the explosive burst.

According to the Samsen Fire and Rescue Station website, flashover occurs when fuel vapors inside a sealed, enclosed building undergo simultaneous combustion instantaneously, causing flames to engulf a room in a split second. Smoke and heat accumulate beneath the ceiling, and as temperature rises, heat radiation spreads downward, causing fuel to emit vapor throughout the room until reaching the ignition temperature, at which point all fuel ignites simultaneously.

Fire gas ignition is the explosion of flames from fuel vapors, typically occurring when flames are carried to vapor-gas mixtures with sufficient oxygen present. Heat can also transfer from one room to another, creating ignition conditions.

Vapor can leak through air ducts and gaps to other rooms and accumulate throughout building structures, such as ceilings and under stairs, requiring no additional air for combustion since the fire already has ready-to-ignite vapor and gas mixtures.

Backdraft is an explosion caused by outside air rushing into fuel or smoke that hasn't ignited or is dying, also called smoke explosion. It occurs when smoke suddenly ignites violently due to oxygen being introduced into a sealed space where oxygen has become depleted or nearly exhausted.

When the fire remains hot but not fully extinguished and doors or openings allow outside air to flow in, all combustion factors become complete, causing rapid, violent ignition resembling an explosion.

Warning signs of impending backdraft include extremely thick black smoke, smoke pulsing in and out through door and window cracks, smoke being forcefully pushed outward, rooms or buildings that are tightly sealed with poor ventilation, and walls with extremely high temperatures.

Before backdraft occurs, smoke can be observed pulsing in and out of openings, with thick black smoke visible through windows while the room fills with heat, carbon monoxide, and other vapors. When a door opens, internal smoke rushes out due to higher internal pressure, and cooler outside air is drawn in at the lower part of the room, mixing carbon monoxide gas with fresh outside air containing 21% oxygen, gradually flowing toward the fire source and displacing hot air upward, with flames visible at lower levels.

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National

Consumer Protection Office to Sue on Behalf of Fire Victims

Thailand's Consumer Protection Board will sue on behalf of victims of a deadly fire at a Ladprao entertainment venue, offering free legal aid and compensation claims for injuries, deaths, and property damage.

3d ago Khaosod

On July 13, 2025, Supamas Israpakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), expressed deep sympathy for the deadly fire at the Ladprao entertainment venue, which caused multiple deaths and injuries. The Prime Minister has instructed all agencies to urgently assist affected persons, care for the injured, support families of the deceased, and swiftly investigate the incident.

Supamas ordered CPB Secretary-General Ranrong Phulapipat and Deputy Secretary-General Saran Rakspaeo to lead a team that will coordinate with Chatuchak District Office to inspect the scene and work with relevant agencies to provide relief. The CPB has established a "Victim Assistance and Coordination Center" at Phahonyothin MRT Station to receive complaints, collect evidence, provide legal advice, and facilitate compensation claims for the injured and families of the deceased.

Visitors to the venue are considered consumers with legal rights to safety and protection. The CPB will mediate between victims and the operator to accelerate settlement negotiations and compensation, covering medical expenses, property damage, and related losses. The board will coordinate with investigators to gather evidence; if operators refuse to take responsibility or deny compensation, the Consumer Protection Committee is authorized to file civil lawsuits on behalf of consumers at no cost to victims. Criminal proceedings will be handled separately by Phahonyothin Police Station. Supamas emphasized that the CPB will stand beside the victims, provide legal counsel, and deploy all legal mechanisms to protect consumer rights and ensure fair compensation.

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