Floods dampen Book Expo 2011 sales
The Book Expo 2011 ended with miserable revenue, as the number of visitors dropped 150,000 or 15 per cent on year to 1.4 million due to the historical floods.
The organiser said in a statement that the 12-day event generated Bt350 million in sale revenue, representing a 30 per cent decline from last year's event.
"Contributing chiefly to the lower number of visitors were the floods which were affecting Northern Bangkok and prompting Bangkok residents to closely observe water levels. Others are careful over their spending," said Worapan Lokitsathaporn, president of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand.
Best-selling were items on literatures, novels, and applied Dhamma.
During the event, PUBAT Charity programme was launched, able to mobilise Bt350,000 in cash donation for flood victims. The assoication topped up the amount and the Bt700,000 amount was presented to Pa Foundation. Over 2,500 books were also donated to flood victims at Thammasat University Rangsit Campus.
