For the love of paperback books
Thais still have a soft spot for printed titles and journals in their hearts, writes Itsarin Tisantia
Now that people can read anything online, the act of reading has changed quite a lot. However, many readers still say that printed books play a significant role in their learning.
The Bangkok Post talked to Nisachon Koonmala, who was looking for books to buy at the Second-Hand Book Expo at Rimkhobfa Bookstore near the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue in Phra Nakhon district, which runs from Oct 1 to Nov 30.
Ms Nisachon likes to read romantic fiction. She insisted that she prefers reading paperback novels to those published online.
“Unlike novels sold at bookshops, the plots of online novels are not as varied and they seem to be rather predictable. More importantly, online stories don’t last as long. I can re-read novels from my bookshelf any time I want,” the 19-year-old nursing student of Siam University said.
Over 10,000 used books, magazines and novels are on sale at the Second-Hand Book Expo, with prices starting at just 15 baht.
This is a special chance for those who like to collect rare books and enjoy reading about history, archaeology, sociology and linguistics.
The titles include Pasa Khong Rao (Our Language), an in-depth historical analysis of linguistics by Chamnong Thongprasert; Royal Visit to New Zealand of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand: 18-26 August 1962, about Their Majesties’ royal trips to New Zealand; King Chulalongkorn’s Visit to Europe, which offers a peek into 1800s Europe; and “Siam Archives,” which contains a record of news and events in Thailand from the 1970s.
“This is the third year we have held the event because of the positive feedback from readers from all walks of life,” said 56-yearold bookstore manager Bangorn Tuansom.
“We now separate the shop into two sections: new books and old books.”
When asked about how she manages the used books, she said, “Owners of these second-hand books set the price of each book themselves. You can see the price tag on the back of every book cover. If a book is sold, the shop will get 10% of the selling price.”
Another Rimkhobfa bookstore patron, 57-year-old business owner Sakon Chanpitayakit, said he started to buy more books after he lost his mobile phone a month ago.
“I read books at my leisure. Today, I’m looking for second-hand books and documentaries on economics, self-help, and stock trading. Reading books reminds me of the past, when I was still young and eager to learn new things. You can read anything online but reading a real book requires more perseverance. And it makes you a detail-oriented person,” he said.
A 27-year-old monk, Phra Cakrishna Cakkawaro, who teaches meditation and dhamma (Buddhist teachings) at Sang Krajai Voraviharn temple in Bangkok, was at the bookstore to look for books about history, psychology, and philosophy.
“Reading is always important because it gives you an advantage,” he said. “Knowledge is limitless, so you shouldn’t stop reading.”
Dankai Panpei, 24, is a recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Ramkhamhaeng University.
“Used books are affordable, but the important thing is that knowledge and logic in the books are invaluable and timeless,” he said.
‘‘ I can re-read novels from my bookshelf anytime I want. NISACHON KOONMALA NURSING STUDENT
According to figures released in 2016 by the National Statistic Office (NSO), Thais spent 66 minutes reading a day on average that year — nearly double the figure recorded in 2014 of 37 minutes.
The survey was carried out among 55,920 people across the country between May and June in 2015.
Teenagers spent approximately 94 minutes reading daily, while children aged under six spent 71 minutes. The workingage population spent 61 minutes, and the elderly 44 minutes, said NSO director Pattama Amorn-sirisomboon.
“Support from family members is the most effective way to encourage reading. Parents should instill the love of reading into their children,” Ms Pattama said.
The study found that 55% of respondents said they prefer digital media — which implies that many Thais still enjoy reading printed material.
Newspapers remain the most popular reading material with 67.3% of respondents, followed by online texts at 51.6%, the study found.
The top three subjects that Thai people read were news, general knowledge and entertainment.