Sales of books at the 22nd Book Expo Thailand are expected to thrive, boosted by print memorabilia, exhibitions and activities related to the late King Bhumibol.
Suchada Sahasakul, the newly appointed president of the Publishers and Booksellers Associations of Thailand (Pubat), said sales volume during the two-week-long fair is expected to rise more than 10% from 600 million baht last year, as the theme will attract people seeking another way to pay homage to the late King.
Book Expo Thailand began Wednesday and runs through Oct 29 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
Organised by Pubat, the 22nd edition of the expo will feature 389 publishing houses running 939 booths, with 1 million books on offer at special prices.
Presented under the concept of "Memory" as a tribute to the late King, the event will feature an exhibition under the same name, featuring the August 1947 issue of the now-defunct Wong Wannakhadee (Literature Circle) magazine.
Another highlight is the "100 ABCD" exhibition, showcasing a selection of 80 outstanding book covers and 19 book designs from the 100 Annual Book And Cover Design 2017 competition, a collaboration between Pubat and the Thai Graphic Designers Association.
Prominent figures such as Chuan Leekpai, Pol Gen Vasit Dejkunchorn and Danai Owatanapanich will be among the speakers sharing memories during a seminar called "9 Days 9 Memories: HM Remains In Thais' Hearts Forever".
On display during the "King Rama IX Ascending to Heaven" photo exhibition are 20 pictures portraying the sorrowful moments faced by Thais after the late King's passing. They were captured by nine photographers from Baan Phra Arthit printing house.
Ms Suchada said Book Expo Thailand will be one of the social drivers bringing people back to physical books, as online content dominates today.
She expressed hope that the public and the media would focus on the book aspect, even though the event is thematically focused on commemoration rather than entertainment, so that Thais will be encouraged to read more.
"While October is considered a mourning period, I believe the number of people attending the event will be 10% higher than last year due to the theme," Ms Suchada said.
She expects the event to attract more than 1.5 million people during the two-week period.
