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Admirers of celebrity duo LingOrm have until Oct 7 to complete a shopping mission and have a chance to join the “Heart Together Exclusive Gala Dinner and Special Auction With LingOrm”, which will take place at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, Charoen Krung Road, on Oct 19.

Presented by Smooth E, a medical skincare brand, this charity campaign is open to everyone wishing to get up close and personal with Sirilak “Lingling” Kwong and Kornnaphat “Orm” Sethratanapong, two rising stars from the Girl’s Love series The Secret Of Us and Only You.

They are required to purchase Smooth E products from any of the four participating categories at Watsons stores nationwide, through Line Shopping or via smooth-e.com and register their receipts via Smooth E’s Line account by Oct 7.

Only the 40 top spenders will be picked and their names will be announced via Facebook on Smooth E Thailand on Oct 15. All will be eligible to attend the gala dinner featuring Michelin-starred Western cuisine along the Chao Phraya River, with dishes curated by celebrity hosts.

The top 10 fans will enjoy an exclusive dining experience at the same table as LingOrm, while the top three fans will have the chance to exchange personal letters. Only the top fan will get a private IG story photo session with the duo.

All 40 top fans are also invited to join a charity auction which will present seven rare items from LingOrm, including personal belongings, original artwork and limited-edition collectables.

Smooth E will donate all proceeds from the auction and 5 baht per participating products sold from this campaign to the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women under the patronage of HRH Princess Soamsawali Krom Muen Suddhanarinatha (Emergency Home Don Muang).

Vantive Healthcare (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a vital organ therapy company with a 70-year legacy of kidney care innovation, has been named as one of Asia’s most outstanding employers, receiving two prestigious HR Asia awards in 2025: ‘Best Companies to Work for in AsiaS’ and ‘Most Caring Company’.

The awards recognise Vantive’s workplace culture of Care, Trust, Innovate, and Own It, and the company’s Mission to extend lives and expand possibilities.

Mr. Paul Uthaichalanond, General Manager of Vantive (Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar) said: ‘Vantive’s Thailand team is proud to create an inclusive workplace where our employees are inspired to improve people’s health and well-being through innovation and compassion. These awards celebrate our Vantive people and the culture we have built together. When employees feel valued and supported, they are inspired to deliver their best every day, making a difference far beyond the workplace’

The HR Asia awards evaluate organisations on culture, employee engagement, and turning their values into action. Vantive received the ‘Best Companies to Work for in AsiaS’ and ‘Most Caring Company’ for its policies and programs that create an environment where employees are motivated, empowered, and inspired to innovate.

The company’s culture of engagement was awarded for strengthening collaboration across teams, enhancing patient care, and supporting research and community programs.

Vantive was also recognised for its commitment to helping employees grow professionally and personally while making a lasting positive impact for patients, care teams and the community across Thailand.

Living the Culture Every Day

Vantive’s culture is built on four pillars: Care, Trust, Innovate, and Own It. These values guide the actions, decisions, and initiatives of Vantive employees.

Over the past 12 months Vantive’s Thailand team has delivered corporate social responsibility programs, where employees can volunteer to support community causes they are passionate about, as well as the annual Vantive Thailand Family Day, which celebrates employees’ families, and the annual Charity Run to raise money and awareness for kidney patients.

The company fosters open dialogue and formal programs such as ‘Coffee Chat with General Manager’ that give employees a direct line to the company’s local leadership, and forums that encourage honest feedback.

An Asian man fell from a condominium tower in Pattaya, landing on a wall below that tore his body apart, early on Wednesday morning.

The gruesome discovery was reported to Pattaya City police about 12.30am, Pol Lt Col Sutheeraphan Thapsri, a chief investigator, said.

The condominium complex consists of three buildings: Tower A with 44 floors, Tower B with 32 floors, and Tower C with 7 floors. The body was discovered between Towers A and B. The dead man was believed to be an Asian male aged 30 to 40 years and was found wearing a black T-shirt and shorts.

His falling body landed on top of the condo wall, which split it into upper and lower halves and scattered his internal organs across the road.

Police investigators had yet to confirm which floor of which building he fell from. (continues below)

A witness reported hearing a loud thud, as though an object had landed violently on the ground. On investigating, he found the man’s body in its gruesome condition.

Investigators did find cigarette butts on the 32nd floor rooftop balcony of Tower C and traces indicating someone may have been sitting on the ledge.

The investigation was ongoing.

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has underscored the urgent need to accelerate government spending, describing it as the only remaining engine capable of rescuing Thailand’s economy from its current malaise.

Speaking on the second day of the government’s policy statement presentation to parliament on Tuesday, Mr Ekniti, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, warned that Thailand’s economy this year is akin to a vehicle “heading off a cliff”, powered by four main engines — most of which are now faltering or stalling.

Exports, which were previously bolstered by front-loaded shipments ahead of US tariff measures under the Trump administration, saw healthy growth of around 3% in the first half of the year. However, following the imposition of tariffs, this momentum has slowed significantly.

According to the Bank of Thailand’s data, private consumption in July experienced negative growth for the first time in over a year. This decline is attributed to waning consumer confidence, longstanding household debt problems, and stagnant incomes. As a result, this economic engine is weakening and on the verge of stalling as well.

Regarding private sector investment, capacity utilisation currently stands below 60%, a figure showing that this third engine is also nearing a standstill, he said. “Although the smallest in scale, government spending is now the only engine still operational and thus critical to economic recovery,” Mr Ekniti said.

He said projections from three state economic agencies suggest Thai GDP will grow by 1.7% this year. However, the outlook for the fourth quarter is bleak, with forecasted growth of just 0.3%.

“It is clear that the economic engine is already bogged down. The question now is: should we stimulate the economy so aggressively that it risks undermining fiscal discipline? Should we spend all available resources? These are questions I constantly weigh carefully. But as of now, this is the only functioning engine we have to pull the economy out of the mud.

“If we don’t use this engine — if we choose to do nothing — we won’t just remain stuck. We’ll plunge off a cliff. The damage will be immense and far more difficult to reverse,” Mr Ekniti said.

He stated that the government’s economic challenges encompass both immediate issues and long-standing problems. These encompass economic slowdown, reduced purchasing power, diminished liquidity, high household debt, and declining productivity.

He said that he has been in frequent discussions with fellow economic ministers to formulate and coordinate economic policies. They have agreed on an approach described as “short-term stimulus with long-term benefits and broad-based distribution”.

Short-term stimulus refers to the government’s limited timeframe of just four months to deliver effective economic stimulus.

Long-term benefits mean that efforts should go beyond merely distributing cash, and the focus must also be on enhancing the economy’s sustainable potential.

Finally, “broad-based distribution” emphasises the need for economic policies to reach all regions and citizens, with particular attention to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Mr Ekniti said that in response to the challenges mentioned, the government’s policy focuses on a “Quick Big Win” approach.

“Quick” means acting swiftly, immediately, and within a short timeframe, while “Big” refers to the scale of the stimulus — large enough to get the struggling economic engine out of the ditch. “Win” means ensuring the benefits reach the people, small businesses, and micro-enterprises, distributed widely across all regions.

Mr Ekniti said the government’s economic policy will be structured around five key pillars supported by one foundational element.

They include stimulating the economy and tourism, driven by the upcoming “Khon La Khrueng Plus” (co-payment plus) scheme aimed at easing the cost of living for citizens.

The scheme targets small vendors, including street sellers, market stalls, and taxi drivers. Importantly, no additional borrowing will be incurred, and no new funds will be introduced. The programme will utilise the existing budget framework approved by the government, combining 25 billion baht from the economic stimulus budget with 19 billion baht from the central contingency fund, all without jeopardising fiscal discipline.

Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon said the government is committed to advancing key energy initiatives. A central focus is the People’s Solar Energy Programme, aimed at reducing energy costs.

The initiative includes a 1,500-megawatt community solar farm project, covering over 15,000 households and a solar-powered water pumping scheme for agriculture, with a target of 1,200 projects spanning 700,000 rai.

Thailand has recorded 33 cases of the new Covid-19 strain XFG so far this year, most of them in Bangkok, according to the Department of Medical Sciences.

The department said on Tuesday that XFG, also known as Stratus, has become the dominant Covid-19 strain worldwide and case numbers are rising. However, there is no evidence to show that its symptoms are more severe than those caused by other strains.

Thailand recorded its first XFG case in April and as of Sept 24 there were 33 cases, 23 in Bangkok.

Most cases had mild symptoms such as fever, coughing, sore throat, runny noses and headaches. No one had to be admitted to a hospital, the department said.

Although the XFG strain has not caused severe symptoms, people should always protect themselves by washing hands frequently and avoiding crowded places, it said.

The Department of Disease Control earlier reported that for the year to July 14, Thailand had 589,352 reported cases of Covid-19 and 239 fatalities.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is finalising the case of the leaked audio clip between Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen and former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Watcharin Phanurat, OAG deputy director-general, said on Tuesday the office has ordered the Cyber Crime Investigation Department 1 to supervise the case, with him leading the probe committee.

Investigators have already questioned numerous witnesses, including Ms Paetongtarn and one individual who reported on Hun Sen’s usage and behaviour on Facebook.

The authenticity of the audio clip does not need to be verified, he said, as Ms Paetongtarn was ruled ethically unfit to continue serving in her post by the Constitutional Court.

The OAG’s case on the audio clip is separate from that conducted by the Constitutional Court, according to Mr Watcharin.

He said the OAG’s investigation focuses on whether Hun Sen had any intention to instigate chaos or turmoil among Thais and if he violated Section 116 of the Criminal Code and the Computer Crime Act.

The investigation is set to finish in the coming weeks before it is submitted to the attorney-general, with only that figure able to decide on the accusation against Hun Sen, as it is considered an extraterritorial case.

The OAG may also probe another case to decide if Hun Sen’s offences involve terrorism and harm against the public, leading to the loss of life and property.

Police complaints to that effect have been filed by both the people and public offices in many areas in Thailand, said Mr Watcharin.

Two Thais have been named to the Time100 Next list of the world’s most influential ‘rising stars’: politician Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and golfer Jeeno Thitikul.

Time magazine divided those chosen into five categories: Artists, Phenoms, Innovators, Advocates and Leaders. Jeeno, the world’s top-ranked female golfer at age 22, was named in the Phenoms category; and Mr Natthaphong, 38, the leader of the People’s Party, in the Leaders group.

A brief article on Mr Natthaphong traced the political circumstances – ‘two steps forward and one step back’ – that led to his ascent to the top position in the country’s largest political party.

The former tech executive was chosen to lead the People’s Party last year after the court-ordered dissolution of two predecessor parties – Future Forward and Move Forward – and the banning of their leaders.

‘The constitutional court’s ousting of [Former prime minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra] in August means fresh elections are looming, and many young Thais hope that Natthaphong can make the leap to the country’s top job,’ the magazine wrote.

‘Our vision is to reform politics, the economy, and reduce social inequality,’ Mr Natthaphong told Time. ‘We have to bring full democracy to our country.’ (Story continues below)

‘Complete’ golfer

Ratchaburi native Jeeno rose to the top spot in the Rolex women’s golf rankings earlier this year and leads in almost every statistical category in the sport this year.

Since joining the LPGA tour in 2022, she has won five tournaments and had a remarkable 52 Top 10 finishes, with nearly $13 million in career earnings to date.

Time magazine enlisted Lydia Ko, herself a member of the LPGA Hall of Fame at just 28 and also ranked third in the world, to write a brief essay about her friend and rival.

‘Most professional golfers are really good at one thing. For some, it’s their long game or iron shot, for others, it’s putting or chipping. But for Jeeno Thitikul, it’s everything,’ Ko wrote.

‘She motivates me to be a better player, and I feel lucky to be able to play alongside her.’

Bangkok, September 29, 2025 — The partnership between the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Etihad Airways marks a significant milestone in combining elite sport with global connectivity.

Under this collaboration, Etihad serves as the Official Global Airline Partner of the BWF, providing seamless travel and premium experiences for players, officials and fans, while amplifying badminton’s global reach. The alliance reflects both organisations’ shared mission to unite people across continents through sport, culture and shared values.

Since January 2025, the airline has connected badminton’s worldwide fan base of 744 million people, most of whom are in Asia, with its expanding network and services.

At the recent TotalEnergies BWF World Championships in Paris, BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul met with Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, to celebrate the role the airline has played in elevating the sport this year.

“To align ourselves with a global leader in air travel such as Etihad Airways signals the sport’s expanding footprint,” Khunying Patama said. “Etihad’s dedication to fostering connections through sport mirrors our mission of uniting people through badminton’s universal appeal.

“We are proud to partner with a sponsor that shares our vision to elevate badminton to world-class status, and for Etihad to take an active role in developing the sport globally. Together, we aim to enhance the fan experience, elevate the sport’s visibility and deliver unforgettable experiences at our premier tournaments.”

De underlined the synergy between the two organisations. “Our partnership with the BWF reflects Etihad’s commitment to connecting people through sport, culture and travel,” he said.

“Badminton is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, uniting millions of fans across Asia and beyond. As we expand our network across Southeast Asia, we are proud to engage with badminton fans everywhere and support a sport that is so deeply loved in the region.”

Beyond celebrating the partnership, Khunying Patama herself embodies the global aspirations of the sport. A billionaire entrepreneur turned philanthropist, she has channelled her resources into sport, youth development, art, music and culture.

She became Thailand’s first female member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2017, the fourth Thai overall to hold the post. Earlier this year, she was elected unopposed by 204 national member associations as president of the BWF for the 2025-2029 term, making her not only the first Thai but also the first woman ever to lead the BWF.

In Thailand, she serves as President of the Badminton Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, where she has spearheaded grassroots development, talent-building initiatives and the hosting of world-class events.

Her influence extends well beyond sport. She is active in numerous charities supporting education, health and social development, while also serving as patron of cultural, art and music organisations.

With business interests ranging from steel and property to hospitality and logistics, Khunying Patama has long been recognised as a leading figure in both corporate and philanthropic circles. In 2024, she was honoured by the Thai Sports Journalists’ Association with the title “Olympic Queen” for her contributions to Thai and international sport.

Through her leadership, generosity and vision, Khunying Patama has not only shaped the trajectory of badminton worldwide but has also inspired countless young people in Asia and beyond.

Several provinces in the upper part of Thailand are taking a battering from the remains of tropical storm Bualoi, as floods have devastated vast residential areas, crippled infrastructure and inundated farmland close to harvest time.

In Loei in the Northeast, flash floods have caused widespread damage in four districts, affecting 221 households, two roads and a school. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said heavy downpours on Tuesday worsened the situation.

Wang Saphung district was the most severely affected. Floodwaters inundated several roads, leaving small vehicles unable to pass, said Pol Lt Col Khunthat Veerasakdikul, acting chief of the Loei Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, said that.

In tambon Nong Ngiew, 198 households were flooded, while 11 homes were damaged in tambon Khao Luang. In Ban Ang of tambon Phu Ho, Phu Luang district, power poles collapsed and agricultural roads were destroyed.

In Muang district, the Nabon-Kang Pla road was washed away. In Phu Rua district, flooding in tambon Tha Sala affected 12 households. Meanwhile, in tambon Loei Wang of Phu Luang district, Ban Loei Tat Phatthana School was inundated.

Authorities have urged residents to remain on alert for flash floods, overflowing rivers and landslides, especially those living near rivers, canals and foothills. Local officials and rescue foundations have been mobilised to assist residents and assess damages. Rapid-response teams have been deployed to provide aid around the clock.

In Uttaradit in the North, flooding has affected several districts after the spillway at the Khlong Tron reservoir overflowed, said Rawee Lekuthai, a Pheu Thai Party MP for the province.

Three districts – Thong Saen Khan (two sub-districts, eight villages), Nam Pat (two sub-districts, five villages), and Tha Pla (one sub-district, five villages) – are already underwater.

The main economic zone of Thong Saen Khan was severely affected, with floodwaters reaching 1.5 to 2 metres. Many households, vehicles and farm equipment were submerged. Some residents, trapped by the sudden floods, had to climb onto rooftops to await rescue.

In Phrae, heavy overnight rains caused flash floods in tambon Pa Maet of Muang district. Runoff from Pha Kham and Khamin creeks swamped agricultural land and homes in Ban Maneewan and Ban Ton Ha.

Local officials rushed to help residents move belongings to higher ground. Pa Maet municipality has distributed food, drinking water and essential supplies.

Rescue units from the Prasat Boonsathan Foundation in nearby Phitsanulok province continued evacuations in tambon Nam Ang of Tron district in Uttaradit. Flash floods intensified overnight, leaving residents stranded.

Using flat-bottom boats, teams evacuated children, elderly residents and patients to safety despite fast-moving waters. Some residents were forced to wait on rooftops until rescuers arrived.

In Chai Nat, downstream from the Chao Phraya barrage in Sapphaya district, rising water levels have forced at least 15 families to abandon their homes and build makeshift shelters along rural road 3018. Many roads are now reduced to a single lane as evacuees continue moving to higher ground.

22 provinces affected in total

All told, floods caused by heavy rain and overflowing waterways were affecting communities in 22 provinces, mostly in the Central Plains and Northeast, disaster mitigation officials said on Wednesday. They are:

Mae Hong Son (Mae Sariang and Sop Moei districts), Phitsanulok (Chat Trakan district) and Uttaradit (Thong Saen Khan, Nam Pat and Tha Pla) in the North.

Loei (Wang Saphung, Phu Rua, Phu Luang and Muang districts), Nong Bua Lam Phu (Non Sang district), Khon Kaen (Nam Phong district), Maha Sarakham (Phayakhaphum Phisai district), Surin (Sangkha district) and Nakhon Ratchasima (Khong district) in the Northeast.

Prachin Buri (Nadi and Prachantakham districts) in the East.

Flood levels were stable in Prachin Buri and were rising in Uttaradit. They were receding in eight other provinces.

Meanwhile, waterways overflowed in 13 provinces and affected 274,979 people. Four provinces in the North were affected:

Phitsanulok (Wang Thong and Bang Rakam districts) with declining flood levels.

Phetchabun (Lom Sak, Lom Kao, Muang, Nong Phai, Bung Sam Phan, Sri Thep and Khao Khor districts) with stable flood levels.

Phichit (Sam Ngam, Pho Thale, Pho Prathap Chang, Bung Narang, Bang Mun Nak, Thap Khlor, Muang, Khong Charoen and Sak Lek districts) with stable flood levels.

Nakhon Sawan (Chum Saeng, Muang, Phai Salee, Phayuha Khiri and Krok Phra districts) with stable flood levels.

Eight affected provinces are in the Central Plains:

Uthai Thani (Muang district) with stable flood levels.

Chai Nat (Sapphaya district) with stable flood levels.

Sing Buri (In Buri, Phrom Buri and Muang districts) with rising flood levels.

Ang Thong (Pa Mok, Wiset Chaichan, Chai Yo and Muang districts) with stable flood levels.

Suphan Buri (Muang, Bang Pla Ma, Song Phi Nong, Don Chedi, Doembang Nangbuat, U Thong, Nong Yasai, Sam Chuk and Dan Chang districts) with stable flood levels.

Ayutthaya (Sena, Phak Hai, Bang Ban, Bang Pa-In, Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya, Maha Rat, Bang Pahan, Ban Phraek, Tha Rua and Nakhon Luang districts) with stable flood levels.

Pathum Thani (Sam Khok and Muang districts) with declining flood water.

Nakhon Pathom (Bang Len, Muang, Sam Phran, Don Tum, Nakhon Chaisi, Kamphaeng Saen and Buddha Monthon districts) with stable flood levels.

The eastern province of Chachoengsao also had overflowing waterways in Bang Nam Prieo district, but flood levels were receding.

For the first time in its three-decade history, the nation’s largest book fair is tuning itself to a brand-new rhythm. With the theme “Melody Of Books”, the 30th Book Expo Thailand will return from Oct 9-19 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, promising not only a vast selection of books but also music, art and interactive experiences designed to inspire readers of every generation.

The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), which is organising the event, announced its readiness to stage the fair during a press conference last week.

Traditionally, these annual press events bring together celebrities, influencers and publishers to create a buzz ahead of the fair. This year, however, the atmosphere felt particularly vibrant, with a strong emphasis on creativity and cross-cultural exchange.

The front area of the conference hall at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center was crowded long before the programme began with hundreds of fans, students and book enthusiasts taking seats and pressing close to the stage.

Unlike in previous years, PUBAT revealed a major conceptual shift: a fusion of literature and music under the unifying idea “Melody Of Books”.

“Because books are poetry, music is melody,” PUBAT explained in its statement. The theme underscores the belief that storytelling, whether expressed through the written word or through rhythm and song, can enrich lives and connect people in profound ways.

The choice of theme was reflected in the lineup of special guests. Instead of only writers and publishers, this year’s press event brought singers, musicians and even athletes into the spotlight — individuals who embody creativity in many forms. Nattakorn Vuttichaipornkul, the newly elected president of PUBAT, emphasised how the fair seeks to embrace new media while preserving the centrality of reading.

“With the concept ‘Melody Of Books’, our organising team aims to present a new form of access to books, combining the world of letters with music and other creative media to expand the reading experience in diverse and contemporary dimensions,” Nattakorn said.

“You can choose to read books or listen to stories via podcasts or audiobooks. This reflects the fact that books are now being transformed into other formats. This is PUBAT’s effort to expand access to media and reading. It’s not just about physical books. All activities at this event are rooted in reading, with the goal of expanding the reader base.”

His remarks signalled PUBAT’s commitment to broadening the definition of reading in a digital age. By welcoming audio formats, multimedia platforms and interactive installations, the association hopes to draw in new generations of readers while keeping traditional book lovers engaged. The highlight of the press conference was a series of live performances by Thai artists who had been invited to interpret the theme musically.

Bell Warisara, from the Home Run Music label, debuted a specially-written song titled Lost To Read You, composed exclusively for the expo. Her performance captured the spirit of the event — melodic, emotional and rooted in storytelling. Other appearances included Nattakit “Nex” Chaemdara, frontman of the band BUS, indie-pop singer-songwriter Max Jenmana, and Kamonchanok “Noey” Kwanmuang, a SEA Games swimming medallist who shared her passion for literature.

Each guest spoke about their favourite genres, linking their personal reading habits with their artistic lives. Streaming rights for the music were also announced, allowing fans to incorporate the songs into their social media clips, adding a participatory element to the campaign.

For PUBAT, “Melody Of Books” is more than a decorative theme. It represents a deliberate attempt to modernise the fair’s image and broaden its reach. The organisers hope to attract not only habitual readers but also music lovers, families and young people who may not yet identify as book enthusiasts.

“This is the first time the fair has transformed itself into a new experience — enjoyable reading, beautiful listening and a wealth of shopping,” Nattakorn said. “The fair maintains a core focus on the value of reading, with fun, accessible activities that promote creativity.”

Over 900 booths from 400 publishers nationwide will participate, presenting more than 2 million books and launching over 2,000 new titles across genres. According to PUBAT, the expo is expected to welcome more than 1.3 million visitors across its 11-day run, with projected book sales surpassing 400 million baht — a 5% to 10% increase compared to the previous year.

“The current economic climate presents challenges,” Nattakorn admitted. “But we believe that the event’s colourful, fun, innovative format, along with the launch of thousands of new books, will draw readers to purchase their favourite titles and join in the activities.”

Beyond book shopping, this year’s expo will be rich with exhibitions, performances and family-friendly activities.

The “View ’til Touch” exhibition will offer an interactive showcase where books can be heard and songs can be read, blending text and sound through new technologies. Visitors can experiment with composing songs inspired by books and explore listening pods featuring audiobook samplings.

Children will be treated to the “Chao Khun Thong And Friends” puppet show, which combines live music and storytelling, while the “Little Read Universe” creates a playful reading space designed to introduce young audiences to the joy of books.

Women’s literature will take the spotlight in the “Chommanard Awards 2025” exhibition, which highlights works from across Southeast Asia. Competitive spirit will also find a place through PUBAT contest, a national event featuring categories in storytelling, songwriting to promote reading, and a high school debate tournament.

The expo is being organised in close collaboration with public and private partners, ensuring it aligns with broader cultural development goals. Social initiatives will also play an important role.

Projects such as “One Read, Million Awakening” will provide book scholarships to schools across the country, while the “Pick A Note” campaign invites participants to donate towards literacy programmes in exchange for chances to win prizes. These efforts highlight PUBAT’s belief in books as transformative tools for society, capable of inspiring individuals and strengthening communities.

As the 30th edition approaches, excitement is building not only for the books and bargains but also for the expanded cultural experience. PUBAT hopes this milestone fair will set a precedent for future editions, redefining what a book expo can be in Thailand.

“Get ready for a new reading phenomenon,” the organisers announced. “Enjoy reading, listen to beautiful music and shop till you drop! There will be countless great books and inspiring activities at the 30th Book Expo Thailand.”

The 30th Book Expo Thailand will be held from Oct 9-19, from 10am to 9pm, at Halls 5-7, LG Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.