By a publicist 27 ตุลาคม 2565
PUBAT revealed success stories from the 27th Book Expo Thailand 2022, held under the concept of "BOOKTOPIA." The 12-day event, which returned to the newly renovated Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), successfully attracted 1,355,893 visitors, generating sales revenue of more than 347 million baht for publishers. Meanwhile, Fiction & Literature, and Comics & Light Novels, are the best-selling book categories at this year's expo.
Ms. Thipsuda Sinchawarnwat, President of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), said that the 27th Book Expo Thailand 2022 under the theme "BOOKTOPIA", which has recently returned to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), has created a new chapter in its history with a total number of 1,355,893 visitors recorded throughout the event. The first and second weekends of the book expo saw the most visitors, particularly over the long weekend of its first week. The event brought in 347,331,734 baht in revenue for the participating publishers, which is 74% higher when compared to the revenue from the 50th National Book Fair, held earlier in March this year. The success of this year's book expo shows that reading is becoming popular again and that many readers still prefer printed books. Meanwhile, Fiction & Literature, and Comics & Light Novels, are the best-selling book categories at this year's expo.
“Throughout 12 days, readers have shown a great interest in the event. The book expo had attracted a number of visitors since the event kicked off and was busy even during the weekdays. From a survey, readers are satisfied with the convenient and easy access venue. Many readers said they were looking forward to the event to return to the QSNCC. Also, the event welcomed readers of all ages and foreign visitors who looked up to books from their favourite writers or publishers.”
Fiction and Literature books are the most popular at the event. The expo showcased a series of literary works from the greatest authors of all time, while there were also Y-fiction books from young writers, which continue to gain popularity every year. For Comics & Light Novels, many publishers experienced strong responses from fans queuing up at their booths to purchase limited-edition books and souvenirs.
Moreover, visitors also showed great interest in various activities organised at the expo. Many readers participated and expressed their ideas at the Booktopia Exhibition, held to foster creativity and the power of sharing. The organiser has gathered messages from readers and will deliver them to the related authorities.
At the Reader Road by PUBAT and PaiyaBooks, many readers also participated in different inspiring activities such as Envelope Letters on the Wall - where readers jotted down ideas, put in the envelopes and attached them to a wall; Book Blind Date - where readers exchanged books; and Book Playlist - where readers made lists of books based on a topic or a mood.
Another popular activity was "Human Book" held at the Live-Brary by PUBAT x Happiness Is Thailand x JitArsa Bank x KANGJAI Creation. Future more, daily activities at the Main Stage also attracted groups of readers who looked for reading inspiration.
“Some publishers who participated in the book expo for the first time voiced that they had gained new experiences. The in-person event allowed these publishers to interact with readers and learn more about reader insights, an experience that the online platform cannot deliver. Also, some publishers said they had a chance to build up a customer base while they could also bring feedback received from fans to plan for the selection of books for the next sale events. Meanwhile, readers looking for good books from favourite writers do not miss out on the 51st National Book Fair & 21st Bangkok International Book Fair, scheduled to be held from March 30 – April 9, 2023, at the Exhibition Hall 5-7, LG Floor, QSNCC. PUBAT will also consider all valuable comments and feedback on the recent book expo to plan the next event that better caters to all reader's needs," said Ms. Thipsuda.
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