The social media platform Facebook ranked first among the leading social media networks in Thailand. With about 26 thousand users, Thailand can even be counted among the leading social media countries in Southeast Asia. Not only Facebook is widespread in Thailand, but also the Japanese instant messaging service Line and the video portal YouTube can be proud of penetration rates in the high double-digit range.

The state of the internet and social media in Thailand

Due to the predominantly rural population, internet penetration in Thailand is still low at just under 60 percent. Interestingly enough, the scarce Internet access is contrasted with an impressive penetration rate of social networks. Which can only mean that the smartphone penetration must be significantly higher than the direct access to the internet. Thailand is an interesting example of the impact of social media on emerging markets across Asia. Booming industries, such as tourism and retail, are experiencing a significant opening as the visibility via online media provides a greater marketing opportunity for remote businesses. Thai companies have used social media not only to promote and publish their services, but also as part of thoughtful business strategies targeting international audience.