In a year marked by unpredictable events and emerging trends, Thais, like the rest of us, turned to Google for answers.
Google’s annual roundup of the year’s top searches in Thailand in 2023 offers a unique window into the national psyche, spanning a wide array of categories.
The categories included News, People, Local Tourist Attractions, International Tourist Attractions, How To, What Is, Music, Dramas or Series, Movies, Concerts, Courses, and Restaurants and Cafés.
Top News and People searches
The year’s political landscape dominated the news searches with “2023 Elections” leading the list, followed by the “Move Forward Party” and “Election Commission.” Other notable searches included “Electricity Bill Registration” and “Teacher Kaew.” The international news also sparked interest, with searches for “Chandrayaan-3,” “Israel,” and “Cesium 137”, which refers to a metal cylinder with dangerous radioactive contents that went missing from a power plant in Prachinburi on March 16. It was found four days later in the Kabin Buri industrial area.
In the People category, the most searched was “Pita”, the opposition leader who won the election with promises of reforms to major institutions in Thailand. He later resigned as leader of the Move Forward Party after his bid to become Thailand’s prime minister failed.
He was followed by Tai Chutima and S Kantapong as the second and third most searched, with the list reflecting a mix of public figures, spanning various fields, indicating the diverse interests of Thai netizens.
Top ‘How To’
Thais showed a keen interest in practical knowledge, with “How to Vote Early” and “How to Vote Out of District” being the most searched ‘How To’ queries. This trend underscores the nation’s engagement with the electoral process. Other top searches included inquiries about lost IDs, dealing with COVID, and financial concerns.
Travel and Education
When it came to Local Tourist Attractions, Bangkok took the top spot, followed by Ko Kra Dan and Chonburi, while Hua Hin and Cha Am were the fourth most searched destinations favored by Thais. Internationally, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan were the most sought-after destinations, indicating a strong interest in Asian cultures and travel.
In a notable trend, the most popular course searched was the Chinese Language Course, well ahead of learning English reflecting an eagerness among Thais to learn new languages and skills. Python and Data Analytics courses also featured prominently, showcasing a growing interest in technology and data proficiency.
Music, Dramas, Movies, and Concerts
The music category was led by “Song Yaeng Bad” and “Tha Thong Sound,” showing a preference for local music. Dramas and series like “Matalada” and “Prom Likhit” topped the entertainment searches, while “Sap Her” and “Thee Yod” were the most searched movies.
The year’s concerts were dominated by international acts like BLACKPINK, along with local artists such as Three Man Down and Young Ohm, reflecting the global and local musical tastes of Thais.
Top Restaurants and Cafés
Culinary searches were diverse, with “Visit Yiam Tai” and “Pang Cha” leading the restaurant and café category, highlighting the rich gastronomic culture in Thailand.
Google’s 2023 search data paints a picture of a nation engaged in political processes, eager to learn and explore new cultures and skills, and with a vibrant interest in entertainment and culinary experiences. This snapshot of Thailand’s search trends offers insights into the collective interests and concerns of the Thai people in a dynamic year.
News
1. 2023 Elections
2. Move Forward Party
3. Election Commission
4. Electricity Bill Registration
5. Teacher Kaew
6. Chandrayaan-3
7. Women’s Volleyball SEA Games 2023
8. Israel
9. Cesium 137
10. Village Headman Nok
People
1. Pita
2. Tai Chutima
3. S Kantapong
4. Settha Taweesin
5. Yongyuth Wichaidit
6. Ice Preechaya
7. Benz Daemon
8. Nhom Kala
9. Off Supanut
10. Buu Jakapan
…How To
1. How to Vote Early
2. How to Vote Out of District
3. What to Do If ID Card is Lost
4. What to Do If Driver’s License is Lost
5. What to Do If You Get COVID
6. What to Do in Case of IF
7. What to Do If Money is Transferred Incorrectly
8. What to Do If Unemployed and Need to Notify Social Security
9. What to Do If Phone Falls in Water and Won’t Turn On
10. What to Do With a Gold Card
Local Tourist Attractions
1. Bangkok
2. Ko Kra Dan
3. Chonburi
4. Hua Hin Cha-am
5. Kanchanaburi
6. Phitsanulok
7. Khon Kaen
8. Korat
9. Lao Khwan
10. Bang Krachao
International Tourist Attractions
1. Taiwan
2. Hong Kong
3. Japan
4. Vietnam
5. Malaysia
6. Korea
7. Macau
8. Laos
9. Georgia
10. Palestine
Music
1. Song Yaeng Bad
2. Tha Thong Sound
3. Comet Halley
4. Blood Group B
5. The Chosen to be Disappointed
6. Once Upon a Time
7. Falling in Love Rhythm
8. Flower Scent
9. Na Saw Girl
10. Whose Fortune
Dramas / Series
1. Matalada
2. Prom Likhit
3. Game Rak Throy
4. Chantra Asadang
5. Rescue Love Firefighter
6. Doctor Luang
7. Love Born from a Falling Star
8. Drun Penjor Thong Dan Yuthaphop
9. The Glory
10. Rugged Love
Movies
1. Sap Her
2. Thee Yod
3. Khun Phan 3
4. Oppenheimer
5. Rent House Worship
6. Thai Ban The Series
7. Fast X
8. She and Me and Me
9. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
10. Comedy 69
Concerts
1. BLACKPINK Concert
2. Three Man Down Concert
3. Young Ohm Concert
4. Bambam Concert
5. Treasure Concert
6. Kamikaze Concert
7. Enhypen Concert
8. Taeyeon Concert
9. SUGA Concert
10. NCT Dream Concert
Courses
1. Chinese Language Course
2. Python Course
3. Data Analytics Course
4. Online Health Course
5. Short Accounting Course
6. Online IELTS Course
7. Excel Course
8. Personality Development Course
9. Free English Language Course
10. Free TOEIC Course
Restaurants and Cafés
1. Visit Yiam Tai
2. Pang Cha
3. Golden Chick
4. Chez Miline
5. Tuk Tueng
6. Long Du Dai
7. Lao Lao
8. Na Baan Khon Kaen
9. Na Chon
10. Tit Man
