A big and bold return
After two years without a physical event, bookworms should be delighted to hear the Thailand National Book Fair has returned. The 20th Bangkok International Book Fair and 50th National Book Fair, organised by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), has relocated from their previous venue in Muang Thong Thani and is taking place at Bangkok's Bang Sue Grand Station from now until April 6 under the concept of "Future" and features books that will take us to the world of a distant time.
"Since the book fair is being held at Bang Sue Grand Station this year, we had the idea of using trains to share how books perform a similar function to lead us into the future by imparting knowledge," said Thipsuda Sinchawarnwat, who is acting president of PUBAT after Chonrungsri Chalermchaikit stepped down last year.
"In fact, initially we intended to hold this year's event at Hua Lamphong Railway Station because it has a vintage vibe, making it a nice place to hold a fair. But in the end, we were advised by parties to go to Bang Sue Grand Station instead as the venue is large, airy and has more facilities than Hua Lamphong."
The book fair takes up a large area on the 1st floor and the mezzanine of Bang Sue Grand Station, an area of approximately 20,000m² out of a total area of 50,000m² along the suburban train line (commonly known as the Red Line). It is being held near Gate 1, which is known as the Red Line zone. The event will not interfere with the government's rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, which is also happening at the site.
The 2022 edition sees an even larger arrangement where visitors can browse a massive array of titles from various genres from a total of 208 local and international publishers, who have set up over 580 booths divided into six different zones -- children's books; educational books; international books; used and rare books; comics and light novels; and general interest. In addition, 30 exhibitions will take place at the venue, alongside a line-up of workshops and talks.
"This year is also the 125th anniversary of the State Railway of Thailand, so we organised a special exhibition to accommodate this special occasion that will show the history and journey of Thai railways over 125 years," said Thipsuda. "Then, there is also the '2022 National Book Awards Exhibition', the third decade of the literature contest 'Pan Wan Fah Award 2022 – The Political Literature For Developing Democracy Exhibition', and the 'One Reader Inspires Million People' activity, plus many others." Read More…
