Thai Volleyball Star Promotes National Book Expo 2026
Thai volleyball star Bow–Kanyarat promoted the 31st National Book Fair (Book Expo Thailand 2026) at the Sirikit National Convention Center, urging readers to discover new inspiration through the theme 'Unread Messages.' She shared how healing and life‑principle books help her stay focused under pressure, while fair organizers outlined six zones and 18 highlight activities ranging from author talks to accessibility programs.
Bow said she likes healing and life‑principle books because they organize thoughts, boost morale, and bring mindfulness quickly, especially on stressful days. She noted that while she cannot control external events, she can control her mindset and reaction; books help her pause, see problems clearly, and act mindfully. Beyond her on‑court strength, she reflects a new generation of athletes who balance mental well‑being with physical training, as competition also tests concentration, decision‑making, and resilience after mistakes. She urges people to start small—pick a book matching their mood, read a little each day, and apply one idea to real life, turning reading into a restorative habit that fuels steady progress.
Natthakorn Wutthichaiphrakul, president of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), said the "Unread Messages – You have received a new message" concept treats every book as a message waiting to be opened, containing stories, ideas, answers, or fresh perspectives that can change how one sees the world. The fair invites visitors to explore a "book island" to find titles that resonate, receive messages from authors, and meet the people behind the books.
The exhibition is divided into six zones covering general books, fiction and literature, children’s and educational books, comics and youth, old books, plus non‑book items and board games, making it easy for readers of all ages to find favorites and discover new titles. It also features 18 highlight exhibitions and activities such as the Author’s Salon with over 80 sessions with writers and experts, the Message Maker space for independent creators, From Unread to Unlocked promoting book access for the visually impaired, and Little Read Universe: Dear Reader – Read – (s)sn – Love, a family‑bonding area through read‑aloud sessions.
Additional attractions include a "new island awaiting discovery" showcasing debut works by emerging writers and translators, Unread Key Visuals presenting 20 selected pieces from 249 contest entries, a Rally: Stamp Log encouraging visitors to collect stamps while exploring the fair, a Storytelling Contest for young narrators, a "Growing Readers, Building Sellers" program, and a Writer × Publisher Business Matching "Meeting Island" that connects manuscripts and new writers with publishers.
