Knowledge Beyond Boundaries @ BookExpo Thailand
Nida Sampattavanich
BookExpo Thailand is among Bangkok’s most eagerly awaited book-related events, providing bookworms with an impressive display, featuring a huge variety of discounted books and publications. Occupying the entire exhibition space at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), the 16th BookExpo Thailand 2011 officially opened last week and continues through October 16.
The fair hosts over 400 booths, occupied by numerous publishers and retailers, selling both long-established and new titles, including non-fiction and fiction, based on a range of interesting themes.
Technology to The Rescue
Since there are so many outlets operating within the fair, the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (the organizer) has developed a map and mobile application, which is available free of charge from Apple’s App Store and the Android Market (just search for ‘BookExpo Thailand’). This useful app helps visitors navigate their way around the vast exhibition space, which covers 21,639 square meters. The app is compatible with Android-based smart phones, as well as the iPhone and iPad. It allows users to check on the companies taking part, as well as promotions and various related activities, including seminars. There's a detailed map, too, along with useful links and other information provided via various popular forms of social media, including Facebook and Twitter.
In addition to books written by Thai authors, the fair includes a large number of foreign publications that have been translated into Thai. One of the most interesting among these is the British author, John Cornwell’s Hitler’s Scientists: Science, War And The Devil’s Pact. Translated and published by Matichon, the book explores the activities of several leading German scientists who worked under the German dictator Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime. The author wonders whether modern scientists may end up following similar paths with evil intent.
Thai fans of the late British crime writer, Agatha Christie, ought to pay a visit to a used book store called Rodjana, which is selling a collection of 60 translated works by the author for just 4,207 baht (US$136). These are technically new books, but are slightly shopworn, hence the incredibly reasonable price.
Fans of Dan Brown, the American author who wrote the hugely popular novel, The Da Vinci Code, should pay a visit to a store called Naiin, which has a complete collection of the author’s work. This set is currently available in an impressive, specially designed presentation box.
Creative Adaptations
A large section of the fair is given over to children’s books and 'edutainment'-related items. At a booth called Nan Mee, I found copies of two Thai-language version of the Chinese epics – Romance of The Three Kingdoms and Journey to The West - presented in a cartoon-style format, including the use of rather more simplified language. The use of this compelling, contemporary format ought to make it easier for children to develop an understanding of these ancient classics.
Fans of cookery, crafts and related hobbies are sure to enjoy the fair, as there are plenty of Thai and English-language books relating to these subjects, including publications about crochet, flower arrangement and knitting, among others. I liked a book at Asia Books called Sushi: Full of Delicious Authentic Recipes, for example, which comes with some useful utensils that will help you to get started on a practical level in no time.
I was also particularly impressed by a collection of five books of authentic Thai recipes published in 1908, penned by the late Than Puying Piean Passakornwong. Than Puying Piean is credited with being the first Thai woman to publish a book of recipes that includes precise measurements for each of the dishes.
Since many visitors to BookExpo Thailand are attracted by the bargain prices, it’s not unusual for some visitors to get rather carried away and purchase more books than they can carry home. Fortunately, Thailand Post is running an outlet that offers a postal service that will deliver your purchases within a day or two. The cost of this service, including packaging, ranges from 70-190 baht, depending on the package size and the destination.
The 16th BookExpo Thailand 2011 opens daily from 10 am to 9 pm. For further information, visit the organizer’s official website at http://www.bookexpothailand.com or via Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bookthai.
Please note: Due to the current weather conditions, it makes sense to check with TANNetwork.tv's homepage for new updates on the flood situation in and around the capital before setting off on your journey.
Transport Connections
Train: Take the MRT subway to Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre station. Exit 3 leads directly to the book fair.
Credit: TAN Network (www.tannetwork.tv)
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