On the page with Pubat

The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (Pubat) is strengthening the activities being held as part of the Bangkok Book Capital of the World’s mission with the launch this Wednesday of the 18th edition of “Book Expo Thailand 2013”.

“This time around, we are offering more than books at special prices and have also designed areas to enhance knowledge through several activities,” says Pubat’s President Charan Homtientong.

“Books influence individual and social change. Reading helps people gain a better understanding of their own lives and the lives of others and keeps them informed about what is going on in the world. Boosting the reading culture among Thais is essential for the development of the country as a whole.”

“Nangsue Plien Cheewit Plien Loke” (“Books Changes Life and the World”) is the theme of this year’s edition, which will feature more than 1,000 publishers’ booths. 

Exhibitions also form part of the fair, among them “Khwam Fai Fun Saen Ngam 40 Years 14 Oct” (“Beautiful Ambition: 40 Years of October 14), “Privy Councillors and the Royal Institution” and “Saha + Phab”, which showcases photos of lives changed by books taken by Chiranan Pitpreecha and Teeraparb Lohitkun. 

Thai historian Charnvit Kasetsiri will be over at the “Beautiful Ambition” exhibit distributing free copies of the VCD album, “14 Oct Banthuek Prawatsart” (“History of Oct 14”), along with a postcard to anyone turning 40 this month.

The fair will also see the launch of the “B Scan” app developed in cooperation with Bec-Tero App, to provide information about the International Publishers Association, which is holding its annual congress in Thailand for the first time from March 25 to 27.

“The theme of this fair is changing life and the world through reading,” says writer Prabda Yoon, who is curating the event alongside 2009 SEAWrite winner Uthis Haemamool, Prachak Kongkirati from Thammasat University, and Duangruthai Esanasatang. 

“On October 14, 1973, students came forward to protest about what was happening in Thai society. They were inspired to take action against an overpowering government by the books and historical accounts they had read. This demonstrates how powerful books can be in changing the mindsets of readers, society and the world.” Pubat is also organising its annual charity project, “Thor Fun Pan Nangsue Hai Nong”, which sets out to provide books to children.

“Education and a thriving economy are helping to develop society. But still far too many Thais, and especially unprivileged children in remote areas, are lacking books and thus the opportunity to learn simply because of their parents’ financial problems,” says Pubat’s Thapanee Prongratsame.

 

Between the lines

_ Book Expo Thailand 2013 runs at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from Wednesday until October 27. 

_ It’s open daily from 10am to 9pm.

_ For more information, visit www.Pubat.co.th and the “BookThai” page on Facebook.