Ban Muang (Thai: บ้านเมือง, RTGS: Ban Mueang) was a Thai newspaper published from 1972 to 2016, and since then operating as a news website. It was owned by Banharn Silpa-archa, who became prime minister in 1995.[1] Ban Muang was middle-sized and positioned itself as a mass-oriented paper. It was one of the first to carry horse-racing programmes, and was known for its classifieds section.[2]
The newspaper was established on 23 May 1972, with Wijarn Pukpiboon as director and Mana Praepan as its first editor. Under Mana, Ban Muang became the country's third-most popular mass daily. He left the paper in 1991 due to internal disagreements.[2] The newspaper was originally printed by the Ban Muang Kan Phim company (บ้านเมืองการพิมพ์). In 2000, Pracha Maleenont bought the company and began publishing under a new name, but soon ceased operations, after which Wijarn relaunched Ban Muang under the Navakit Ban Muang company (นวกิจบ้านเมือง).[1] The company printed the daily paper until it announced cessation on 1 January 2017, citing inability to compete in the changed media landscape and economic environment.[3][4]
