Bookstores in Thailand

Thailand bookstores have a very good selection of books though no one should expect any books critical of the king to be sold anywhere.

Thailand bookstores can be found all over Thailand with every imaginable kind of book available.

Bookstores are prospering all over the country and growing alongside the flourishing Thai publishing industry.

See also

• Thai culture and books
• Thai book industry
• Thailand unofficial censorship

One of the reasons for the popularity of bookstores in Thailand is perhaps the fact that in Thai culture, books are important.

Despite the influences brought about by globalization has brought about the Thai are still very much in tune with their roots and traditions, which is perhaps why they are still known as the Land of Smiles for the people’s strong sense of hospitality and generosity. Aside from hospitality and generosity the Thai place great value in respect – respect towards their ancestors and their elder. And though it might be seem peculiar to some the Thai also has great respect for books and other documents. In fact books are considered to be the most revered secular objects in Thailand.

From 2003 to 2006 the total number of bookstores in the country has almost doubled jumping from 678 stores to 1309.

The increase has mostly been due to bookstore chains that have been springing up all over the country although the increase in number of standalone bookstores cannot be disregarded. The book industry shows no signs of decline perhaps due to the fact that books are not considered to be luxury items so that economic up and downs will not significantly affect the business. The Thai government’s education policy also stresses importance in books so that with the support of the government the book industry can surely thrive.

Even when books are not banned by the government the majority of bookstores practice self-censorship and would not stock nor sell books that they deem have topics that are taboo.

One good example of this is the book The Revolutionary King by William Stevenson, which though not banned in Thailand, is not stocked by any bookstore in the country.