45th National Book Fair & Bangkok International Book Fair 2017

The 45th National Book Fair returns to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre on March 29 and will once again run in parallel with the 15th Bangkok International Book Fair Exhibition on the subject “Books for Remembrance of Funeral: Cultural Heritage of the Nation”. Both events continue through April 9.

Charun Homteinthong, president of the organiser, the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (Pubat), says he’s expecting a good turnout.

“The fairs will see 430 publishers and 947 activity booths spread over 21,000 square metres of space and Finland is the guest of honour as it celebrates a centenary of independence with “The Joy of Reading – Key to Lifelong Learning” activity,” he says.

 A variety of books for this activity will be imported directly from Finland in order to educate Thais about the literature and design knowledge of the Scandinavian country with the aim of broadening local reading perspectives.

This year, the concept of the book fairs is “read, read and read”, and is aligned with the Culture Ministry’s master plan to turn Thailand into a learning society. The plan, which runs through 2020, aims to develop a strong reading culture by encouraging Thais to spend 300 per cent more time reading than they do at present.

For its part, the exhibition “Books for Remembrance of Funeral: Cultural Heritage of the Nation”, which is organised by the National Library of Thailand, showcases the royal funeral remembrance books of King Rama V, King Rama VI, King Rama VII and King Rama VIII and other royal family members of the Chakri Dynasty as well as government officers and other important individuals. The funeral remembrance book of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej or King Rama IX will also be included, with the official endorsement of His Majesty the King. - The Nation