Thailand’s biggest book fair hits the right note in Bangkok (video)

Festival blends storytelling, music, workshops and live shows

Thailand’s biggest book expo has opened in Bangkok, inviting readers of all ages to explore literature, music, and creativity through free daily events.

Book lovers across Thailand are invited to immerse themselves in a world of literature, music, and creativity at the 30th Book Expo Thailand, now open daily from 10am to 9pm until October 19. The event is being held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Hall 5 to 7, LG floor, on Ratchadaphisek Road.

Hosted by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) under the theme Melody Of Books – Have You Read? Have You Heard It? the expo goes beyond the traditional book fair format to offer a full cultural experience where reading meets rhythm.

Thailand’s biggest book fair hits the right note in Bangkok (video) | News by Thaiger
Pictures courtesy of KhaoSod

Thailand’s biggest book fair hits the right note in Bangkok (video) | News by Thaiger

More than 2 million books, including 2,000 newly released titles, are available at special prices across 900 booths representing 400 publishing houses. The space is divided into six themed zones: Fiction and Literature, General Books, Old Books, Children’s and Educational Books, Comics and Teen Books, and Non-Book Items and Board Games.

This year’s edition offers over 100 curated programmes, from seminars and workshops to interactive exhibits. One of the highlights is View ’til Touch, which explores how books inspire songs and vice versa. Visitors can experience musical interpretations of text and even create their own compositions using the AI-powered programme Suno.

Thailand’s biggest book fair hits the right note in Bangkok (video) | News by Thaiger

Thailand’s biggest book fair hits the right note in Bangkok (video) | News by Thaiger

The Author’s Salon returns, giving fans the chance to engage in informal conversations with their favourite writers. Meanwhile, the Read For The Blind zone introduces inclusive technologies for the visually impaired and invites guests to record audiobook segments as part of a hands-on activity.

New this year is Chao Khun Thong And Friends, a lively puppet-and-music stage show performed on weekends and on Monday, October 13. Visitors can also take part in puppet-making workshops and voice acting lessons, according to Bangkok Post.

For families, the Hiroba: Picture Book Playground offers a relaxed reading zone, complete with storytelling sessions and craft activities for children.

Thailand’s biggest book fair hits the right note in Bangkok (video) | News by Thaiger

Thailand’s biggest book fair hits the right note in Bangkok (video) | News by Thaiger

Three national competitions are also making their debut:

  • The National Debate Competition (October 13 at noon)

  • The National Storytelling Competition (October 14 and 16 at 10am)

  • The Songwriting Contest, which features the official theme song for the expo

Admission is free. For updates and schedules, visit facebook.com/bookthai.

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Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Originally from Hong Kong, Puntid moved to Bangkok in 2020 to pursue further studies in translation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Hong Kong. Puntid spent 8 years living in Manchester, UK. Before joining The Thaiger, Puntid has been a freelance translator for 2 years. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and listening to music, as well as writing short fiction and poetry.