Thairath Group opened its doors to distinguished figures from government and private sectors to celebrate its 76th anniversary and the step into its 77th year, while continuing Kamphon Watcharaphol’s faith-driven mission to nurture Thai children into global citizens.
On 26 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Thairath Group welcomed guests to mark its 76th anniversary and the approach of its 77th year, coinciding with the birthday remembrance of Kamphon Watcharaphol, former director and founder of Thairath newspaper, celebrated every 27 Dec. Important figures and representatives from government and private sectors gathered in large numbers to extend their congratulations.
Executives from Thairath Group, including Watchara Watcharaphol, Executive Officer of Central Administration; Jitsupa Watcharaphol, Co-CEO of Thairath TV and Thairath Online; and Thanwalai Watcharaphol, Executive Officer of Online Content, warmly welcomed attendees amid an atmosphere filled with warmth and excitement.
Thairath’s journey began under the names “Khao Phap” and “Siang Ang Thong,” led by Director Kamphon Watcharaphol, who innovated with a focus on community and crime news, quickly capturing readers’ hearts. Despite disruptions from the Revolutionary Council’s orders requiring a name change, this led to the rebirth as “Thairath,” marking a period of growth and development with rich content, modern printing technology adoption, and strong management, enabling the paper to weather economic crises and become the country’s highest-selling newspaper.
Today, Thairath has built upon its strong print media foundation to fully enter the digital TV and online media arenas, adhering to a storytelling strategy that remains “easy to understand and relevant to daily life,” aiming to retain its existing fan base while expanding new audiences, committed to leading Thai societal thought across all platforms.
Regarding Kamphon Watcharaphol’s background: born on 27 Dec 1919 CE, he not only established a strong foundation for Thairath Group to become the top-selling newspaper but was also a “fighter of ideas,” steadfast in presenting news that challenged authoritarian power and dark influences, standing alongside the people. He was honored as one of the world’s 25 greatest journalists and recognized by UNESCO as the 28th important Thai figure in education and mass communication worldwide.
From his strong conviction, which he often expressed, “A newspaper survives on the faith of the people; when given the chance, it should give back to the people,” originated a legacy of sustainable giving, as he established the Thairath Foundation in 1979 CE, to provide educational opportunities to children in remote areas through the Thairath Wittaya schools, which have now expanded to 111 locations nationwide, aiming to reduce inequality and promote social equity—a valuable intellectual heritage Kamphon left for Thailand.
Marking an important milestone in its 77th year, Thairath Group announced a new vision to continue its mission: “Nurturing Thai children into global citizens.” In this context, Jitsupa Watcharaphol, Thairath Group executive and Thairath Foundation board member, emphasized the commitment to support Thai children and youth to grow with equality and the readiness to compete globally.
Additionally, the event featured a highlight exhibition and booths showcasing work from students of Thairath Wittaya schools across the four regions, demonstrating educational achievements reflecting modern potential and the success of distinguished alumni who serve society as doctors, pilots, police officers, and renowned artists. This affirms that the seeds sown by Thairath have grown strong and beautiful, ready to be a vital force for Thailand’s future.
