Bound paper delights
Set to kick off tomorrow and run until April 9, the 45th “National Book Fair” and 15th “Bangkok International Book Fair Exhibition” will see Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre on Ratchadaphisek Road packed with more than 900 booths from 430 publishers across all zones.
Held under the “Read, Read And Read” concept, the annual book fairs will feature all kinds of books, including 350 new titles, a dozen exhibitions, seminars on almost 100 different topics and many other activities running daily from 10am-9pm.
The highlight will be the “Books For Remembrance Of Funeral: Cultural Heritage Of The Nation” exhibition featuring the rarely-seen remembrance books published for the royal funerals of several monarchs of the Chakri Dynasty from King Rama V to King Rama IX, as well as other royal family members, government officers and other individuals.
There will be a related seminar, on Thursday at 4pm, where Prof Thongtong Chantarangsu, Asst Prof Dr Peerasri Powathong and Teera Kaewprachan will discuss how funeral books have historical value for scholars.
This is the first time Finland will join the fairs as guest of honour to celebrate the centenary of the country’s independence. A pavilion under “The Joy Of Reading — Key To Lifelong Learning” theme will showcase Finland’s culture of reading and learning that make it the most innovative and educated country in the world. A variety of Finnish books will be displayed.
Another interesting exhibition will see 13 oil paintings by Somboonsuk Niyomsiri, alias Piak Poster, the 2015 National Artist in performing art. All of the paintings are reprinted on drawing paper and compiled in a photobook by the Entertainment Critics Association. Copies of the photobooks will be available for purchase at the fairs, with all proceeds presented to the ailing artist.
Visit www.pubat.or.th or call 02-954-9560—4.