Thailand Publishers Demand More Library Funding for Growth
The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (Pubat) is urging the government to significantly increase funding for public libraries. The association argues this investment is crucial for the long-term health and growth of the Thai book industry. This appeal comes as Pubat prepares for the 53rd National Book Fair and 23rd Bangkok International Book Fair, scheduled for March 27–April 7 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
Currently, Thai libraries often rely on book donations from publishers—a practice Pubat President Suwich Rungwattanapaiboon considers unsustainable. He warned that this dependence on donations, rather than purchases, could stifle industry development and prevent it from reaching its full potential. The plea for increased funding is not merely about bolstering publishers' profits but about fostering a culture of reading throughout Thailand.
Pubat Vice-President of Internal Affairs, Nattakorn Vuttichaipornkul, highlighted the symbiotic relationship between a thriving library system and a robust book industry. He rejected the idea that expanding public library access would negatively impact book sales, arguing that widespread book availability nurtures reading habits, ultimately benefiting the entire publishing ecosystem. Mr. Vuttichaipornkul urged authorities to prioritize budget allocations for library book acquisitions over building construction or interior design, emphasizing the importance of content over aesthetics.
The cost of books in Thailand, relative to the minimum wage, is a significant barrier for many readers. Mr. Vuttichaipornkul explained that high prices result from limited print runs—typically between 1,000 and 2,000 copies per title—leading to higher per-unit costs. Increased library purchasing power, he argued, would stimulate demand, enabling publishers to achieve economies of scale, resulting in larger print runs and lower book prices for everyone. This would make books more accessible to a wider range of readers and further fuel industry growth.
The discussion of book affordability also touched upon the unique preferences of Thai readers. Theerapat Charoensuk, a member of Pubat’s executive committee, addressed the idea of using lower-quality paper to reduce costs. While seemingly logical, this strategy has proven unsuccessful in the Thai market. Mr. Charoensuk noted that the growing trend of book collecting in Thailand has cultivated a demand for high-quality paper and visually appealing covers. Publishers who have experimented with lower-grade materials have faced disappointing sales, highlighting the importance of understanding consumer preferences.
Despite the challenges, Pubat projects a positive outlook for the Thai book market, estimating its value to reach 17 billion baht this year, a notable increase from the estimated 15 billion baht in 2024. Popular genres such as fantasy, girls' love (GL), and manga are expected to drive this growth. The growing popularity of GL and boys' love (BL) genres is particularly evident in the increased exhibition space allocated to these categories at the upcoming book fair: a significant jump from 50 booths last year to 70 this year, representing an expansion from 450 to 630 square meters.
Pubat’s proactive approach to addressing industry challenges and its focus on cultivating reading habits through library support demonstrates a commitment to long-term, sustainable growth for the Thai book market. The upcoming book fair will serve as a key indicator of the industry’s current state and its potential for future expansion.
