BANGKOK, Thailand – The 29th National Book Fair wrapped up with a historic milestone as more than 236,000 people attended the event in a single day, on October 19. With over 1.4 million attendees and generating over 438 million baht in revenue, the fair exceeded expectations, reinvigorating Thailand’s book industry despite a recovering economy.
The event, held from October 10 to 20, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, saw a significant increase in attendance, with 236,686 visitors on October 19 alone, setting a new record. The previous record was 162,135 attendees. The fair’s theme, “Read Until the End of the World,” drew local and international visitors, contributing to the resurgence of the book market after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suwit Rungwattanapaiboon, President of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), credited the success to three key factors: a creative and engaging theme, positive responses from younger audiences, and the adaptability of publishers. This year’s event featured more than 100 activities and promotions, including special discounts, premium giveaways, and even books sold by weight. The fair’s “grab-all-you-can” promotions proved particularly popular, further boosting attendance.
The demographic breakdown showed 63.78% female attendees, 26.91% male, and 6.90% LGBTQ+ participants. The majority, 69%, were aged 12-35, with a 23% concentration in the 23-28 age range, reflecting the growing interest in reading among younger generations.
Comic books, novels, and psychology/self-help books were the top-selling categories, with comics leading at 40% of total sales. Publishers also saw strong interest in new releases and collectible editions.
Due to this overwhelming success, PUBAT plans to expand the space for next year’s event by 5,000 square meters, allowing for more publishers and book selections. The expansion aims to provide an even richer experience for readers, offering more opportunities to engage with their favorite authors and participate in creative activities.
Suwit emphasized that the fair was more than just a place to buy books—it was a festival of inspiration, creativity, and fun. He hinted at new themes and surprises for future events, ensuring the book fair remains a key cultural event in Thailand.
For more details, visit the Thai Book Fair page.
