Culture Minister Opens 31st National Book Fair in Bangkok
Culture Minister Sabida Thaiseth opened the 31st National Book Fair at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, running from October 23 to November 1, 2026. The minister emphasized the importance of critical thinking in the AI era and described books as vital tools for transmitting Thai culture and creative content globally. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt encouraged youth to read what they love, while the fair aims to connect readers and writers under the theme "Bloom: Grow Together."
On October 23, 2026, the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) opened the 31st National Book Fair (Book Expo Thailand 2026) to welcome the long holiday, inviting readers of all ages to discover books and stories waiting to be read under the concept "Unread Messages." The event runs from October 23 to November 1, 2026, from 10:00 to 21:00 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
Culture Minister Sabida Thaiseth presided over the ceremony, joined by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and PUBAT President Natakorn Wutichaipradit at the main stage in Hall 7, LG floor.
Minister Sabida thanked the association for organizing the annual book fair, a highly anticipated event for book lovers. She noted this year's fair is especially significant as we live in a rapidly changing AI era where information is accessible in seconds. However, she emphasized the growing importance of critical thinking — analyzing and processing facts — to make reading effective. Reading develops knowledge and analytical thinking, helping us better understand the world, and books can open new perspectives we never considered.
"For the Ministry of Culture, we don't see books merely as knowledge sources but as tools to transmit culture, traditions, memory, local wisdom, and creative thinking from one generation to the next," she said. "When we talk about books, we talk about literature that can become famous films — books are the starting point for content across many branches, whether movies, animation, or others, to make Thai content world-class."
She added that promoting reading requires comprehensive system development — not just printing and distribution — but also personnel development and enhancing new writers' capacity to convey creative ideas.
The minister also spoke about this year's concept "Unread Messages," which fits the current era where we receive countless notifications and often have unread messages, some containing valuable insights that can change perspectives and inspire.
Governor Chadchart expressed delight at seeing many young people attending and loving reading. He said the key is simply: "Read what you love, and you'll love reading." With books at hand, you can read anything, but the crucial part, as the minister noted, is to read and then critically analyze.
Minister Sabida then read the story "Unread Messages" to attendees with a performance, drawing great interest from the many youths present.
PUBAT President Natakorn revealed that this year's fair creates a meeting space between readers and writers.
