The “Thai Independent Bookstores Week” is back with special discounts and activities presented at 41 shops across the country from tomorrow until June 29.
Organised by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (Pubat) under the theme “Love Books, Conserve Independent Bookstores”, the second edition aims to promote the significance of independent bookstores, which are on the decrease due to the growth of chain stores.
“Independent bookstores play a role in helping the book circles to move in diverse directions,” said Charan Homtienthong, president of Pubat. “They give Thais access to indie books, which might be hard to sell in ordinary chain bookstores.”
According to him, independent bookstores are also a source of books in specific fields, giving the publishers an additional channel to present their literary works. Some kinds of books can be found only at independent stores.
“But the most important thing about independent bookstores is that they are lively and full of soul,” said Charan.
The nine-day campaign is supported by many publishing houses — some of which are also offering a "buy one get one free" promotion. Many of the participating bookstores will also come up with different kinds of activities that suit the atmosphere or the customers’ tastes in their respective communities.
Among the 41 independent shops, which cover 22 provinces, are Bookburi in Bangkok, Book Re:public in Chiang Mai, Booktopia in Uthai Thani, Philadelphia in Ubon Ratchathani, Nampu Today in Buri Ram, Baan Suan Nangsue in Suphan Buri, Seng Ho in Phuket, Fueng Nakhon in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Siang Thip in Phitsanulok.
Visit thaiindependentbookstoresweek.pubat.or.th.
