By a publicist 21 มีนาคม 2566
The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) is all set to host The 51st National Book Fair & 21st Bangkok International Book Fair 2023, sponsored by BOOK☆WALKER. The theme for this year's event is "Bookfluencer," aimed at using reading as a soft power to establish a sustainable reading society and encouraging everyone to become a Bookfluencer. The event is scheduled from March 30 to April 9, 2023, at Hall 5-7, LG Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The book fair will remain open until midnight on the first three days, providing an excellent opportunity for book enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the event.
Ms. Thipsuda Sinchawarnwat, President of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), said that "The 51st National Book Fair & 21st Bangkok International Book Fair 2023, sponsored by BOOK☆WALKER, will feature the theme "Bookfluencer." This concept emphasizes the current era of influencers, where individuals or groups hold power to sway people's opinions and choices. PUBAT firmly believes that everyone has the potential to become a reading influencer. Thus, the association recommends that individuals share their favorite books with others to promote a reading culture. Additionally, PUBAT hopes that Thailand will leverage Soft Power, similar to China, Taiwan, and Japan, to propel a sustainable society. These countries have encouraged reading among all population segments, implemented policies to support writers, and maximized human resource potential and efficiency through reading."
This year's edition of the National Book Fair will feature 905 booths from 333 publishers. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will graciously preside over the opening ceremony on March 30 at 3:00 p.m. The event will be open to the public on the same day starting at 5:00 p.m. For the first time, the event will extend its operating hours until midnight for the first three days (March 30 - April 1). From April 2-9, the event will open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Inspiring reading leadership with diverse books
Readers will find seven book zones with a diverse selection of books, including Children's and Educational book zone, Foreign book zone, Rare book zone, Comic and Teenager's book zone (Book Wonderland), Fiction and Literature book zone, Y Fiction book zone (Wonder Y), and General book zone. Additionally, the event features various book exhibitions, including the Exhibition of Cross-Cultural Literature of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. This exhibition showcases HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's intelligence and language proficiency, particularly in Chinese. The Exhibition of National Book Award 2023, presented by the Office of the Basic Education Commission under the Ministry of Education (OBEC), promotes the production of high-quality books to the public, encourages Thai people to develop a reading habit, and raises awareness among publishers and individuals involved in the book production industry about the importance of producing valuable books with engaging formats and contents. The Phan Wan Fah Award for Inspirational Literature, presented by the Thai Parliament, showcases short stories and political poetry that promote democracy. The exhibition aims to encourage people to exercise political freedom through writing and continue creating political literature that contributes to raising awareness of citizenship in a democratic system. Following the Readers, by TK Park, encourages people to share content and their favorite books while creating a clearer picture of modern-day reading trends. The Exhibition of The One Reader Foundation aims to foster a reading culture in Thai society and develop people's capabilities through good books. In collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the association donates books to 15 community book houses and honors role models who have dedicated their time and energy to promoting reading within their communities. The opening ceremony, which will be presided over by Professor Emeritus Dr. Kasem Wattanachai, Privy Councilor, is scheduled for March 31 at 10:30 a.m. The 7th Chinese Publication Exhibition Tour in Southeast Asia, hosted by Xiamen International Book Company, is considered the largest publishing business exchange platform between Thailand and China. Participants from publishing groups across eight major regions, nearly one hundred publishers, and 2,000 different types of books from China are exhibited, with copyright negotiations and business matching taking place every day throughout the event. Readers can explore a variety of activities organized by key partners, such as photo opportunities in front of the giant board backdrop provided by BOOK☆WALKER, engaging activities with TikTok that invite book shoppers to create video clips with the hashtag #อ่านตามTikTok and share them on the TikTok app. Those who receive the highest number of views will have a chance to win a SAMSUNG GALAXY 23 ULTRA. Additionally, TikTok invites Book Toker attendees to check in at their booth and create TikTok video clips with the hashtag #BKKbooktok to showcase their personal style. Moreover, book lovers can enter a lucky draw activity with Bingbook Bingblock by presenting their shopping receipts from the book fair."
Launch event: Discussion with renowned authors on their latest books
The central stage features engaging activities for diverse reader groups, including the Debut of New Books such as ‘Noom Kongkrapan and the Secret War in Laos’ from Saengdao Publishing, 'Once Upon a Time in the Galapagos' by Praphansarn Publishing and 'Things You Need to Know About Financial Statements' by Stock2morrow. Readers will be inspired by the Influencer Talks such as ‘Success Is Personal: Exploring Individual Differences’ by Milky Praiya, Lean Smart Science by Fasai Puengudom – a fonder of Fit Junction, and ‘Stop the Confusion: Achieve Financial Success in the World of Investment 2023’ by Paul Pattarapon. For children and families, there are various activities available. Highlights include 'Unleashing Your Creativity with Toob Pong' by Ruangsak Pinprateep from Plan for Kids, 'Start Coding Start with Kid+ by Dr. Khattiyada Chaiyo from Pelangi Publishing (Thailand), and the Debut of the Bilingual Children's Book' Malong The Magic Cloth' from Praphansarn Publishing, winner of the ASEAN Children's Book Illustrator Best in Fiction at the International Children's Content Rights Fair 2017.
International guest writers and illustrators: Seminar and fan meet-up
"This year’s event allows readers to engage with foreign writers and illustrators. One featured activity is the Taiwan-Thailand Comics Exchange: ttcomics 2023, where readers can meet and greet Thai and Taiwanese cartoonists, including Munin Saiprasart, Art Geno, Ruan Guang-Min, and Rimui. Moreover, attendees can participate in the autograph signing event where they can meet Daisuke Aizawa and Tōzai, the writer and illustrator of the renowned Japanese Light Novel series "The Eminence in Shadow." In addition, Kadokawa Amarin and the Japan Foundation will jointly organize a seminar titled "Society Reflected in Literature," providing a platform for Japanese and Thai novelists such as Matsuda Aoko, Weeraporn Nitiprapha, Jidanan Luengpiangsamut, and Chairat Pipitpattanaprap to discuss their works. Thitirat Thipsamritkul and Sho Fukutomi will moderate the seminar, supported by the Embassy of Japan in Thailand and the Japanese Association in Thailand.
New book releases & chances to meet favorite actors
Fans of TV series will be in for a treat with the launch of two new shows, providing opportunities to meet some of their favorite actors. "Heart in the Wind" from GMMTV and "Pit Babe The Series" from Sense Book Publishing will debut on April 8. The former will introduce fans to the director and scriptwriter, while the latter will showcase 12 leading actors, including Saithip Montrikul Na Ayudhaya and Worarit Waijeanai.
Reader-friendly activities by BOOK☆WALKER and Thailand Post
Ms. Weerawan Panitkitsuwan, Assistant Manager of BOOK☆WALKER (Thailand), said that BOOK☆WALKER is an e-book platform specializing in digital Manga and Light Novels, two genres that are currently very popular in Japan, Taiwan, and the United States. Thailand has been identified as a promising market, as the platform recognizes the country's large audience of readers influenced by Manga and Light Novels from Japan for many years. For this reason, BOOK☆WALKER has decided to sponsor this event and set up a booth to introduce the platform's services, including its website and application, to Thai readers through BOOK☆WALKER Thailand.
Mr. Pasu Unhanandana, Chief Commercial Officer of Thailand Post Co. Ltd, said that as a proud sponsor of the National Book Week event, Thailand Post is pleased to offer express delivery of books through EMS at a fixed price starting from 50 baht. Visitors can also explore a variety of stamps and interesting collectibles for sale, including a commemorative stamp set for Thai Heritage Conservation Day and a new collection of souvenirs, such as die-cut postcards of postboxes and postcards featuring drawings of the first post office building and Bangrak Central Post Office Building. In addition, the iStamp photography service will be available, allowing visitors to create personalized stamps from their photos, and many more exciting activities will be on offer.
Get ready for surprises from March 30 to April 9!! Extended hours for first three days until midnight
Don't miss out on the 51st National Book Fair & 21st Bangkok International Book Fair 2023, proudly sponsored by BOOK☆WALKER. The event will be held from March 30 to April 9 at Hall 5-7, LG floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). On March 30, the book fair opens to the public at 5:00 p.m. During the first three days of the event, book lovers can enjoy extended hours until midnight, and a variety of special activities will be available from 9:00 p.m. onwards. These include events organized by the Thailand Board Game Association (on March 30-31), giveaways of posters designed by world-class graffiti artist Alex Face, and the sale of exclusively designed fabric bags by Alex Face. The bags are priced at 690 baht each and are available in limited quantities. Furthermore, TikTok Live activities will feature book sales at discounted prices. Throughout the first three days, visitors can win a cash coupon worth 500 baht by presenting a shopping receipt of 500 baht or more. Meanwhile, from April 2-9, the book fair will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tailored for this year, the event organizer has created two posters to cater to different preferences and leave a lasting impression. The first version features the iconic character "Nong Mardi," known and loved by many, in a design by world-renowned graffiti artist Alex Face, also known as Patcharapol Tangruen. The second version is designed for anime enthusiasts by the main sponsor, 'BOOK☆WALKER.' It showcases four beloved anime characters on the poster: Tokyo Revengers, Naruto, Super Detective Conan, and Alya (Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian), adding vivid colors and excitement for all book enthusiasts.
More information at www.facebook.com/bookthai
