Bangkok Book Fair: Record-Breaking Attendance Expected
Bangkok is gearing up to host a literary extravaganza as the 53rd National Book Fair and 23rd Bangkok International Book Fair open their doors from March 27th to April 7th at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Organizers project a staggering 1.3 million visitors and anticipate sales reaching 420 million baht, representing robust 5–10% growth compared to last year. This year’s event promises to be a landmark occasion, solidifying its reputation as the largest book trade event in Southeast Asia.
Suwich Rungwattanapiboon, president of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (Pubat), highlighted the event’s significant expansion. This year, the fair boasts an impressive 20,000 square meters of exhibition space—a substantial increase from the previous 15,000 square meters—achieved by incorporating a fourth hall. This expansion caters to the burgeoning interest from both domestic and international participants, further cementing the fair’s prominence in the region. “This will be the largest event in our 53-year history,” Mr. Rungwattanapiboon declared, underscoring the fair’s remarkable growth and enduring appeal.
The fair is meticulously organized into seven distinct zones, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for all attendees. These zones cater to a wide spectrum of literary interests, from fiction and literature enthusiasts to comic book aficionados and young adult readers in the dedicated “Book Wonderland.” Children’s books and educational materials will also have a dedicated space, alongside sections for general books, antiquarian books, international titles, and even non-book items and board games, creating a vibrant marketplace of ideas and entertainment. With over 2 million titles on display from 400 publishers and popular bookstores spread across approximately 1,200 booths, the sheer scale of the event is truly impressive.
Beyond the vast selection of books, the fair offers valuable opportunities for industry professionals. The concurrent Bangkok Rights Fair 2025, returning for its second year, will facilitate crucial business-matching sessions focusing on international book rights. Supported by the Department of International Trade Promotion and the Thai Media Fund, this event, running from March 28th–29th at the same venue, will host over 115 publishers and rights agents from 14 countries and territories. Organizers expect over 200 business-matching sessions, with projected rights transactions exceeding US$2 million (approximately 67.5 million baht), highlighting the fair’s crucial role in fostering international literary collaboration.
The 2025 National Book Fair and Bangkok International Book Fair represent a significant cultural and economic event for Thailand. By providing a platform for publishers, authors, readers, and industry professionals to connect and engage, the event significantly contributes to the promotion of literacy, the exchange of ideas, and the growth of the publishing industry, both within Thailand and across Southeast Asia. The projected record-breaking attendance and sales figures underscore the enduring power of the written word and the vibrant literary landscape in the region.
