PUBAT Unveils Surge in Thai Book Reading: 113 Minutes Daily

The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) reports that Thais are reading more, averaging 113 minutes per person daily.  In 2023, the book market is expected to recover to around 17 billion baht, driven by a 30% increase in book prices post-COVID.  In the private sector, KTC has partnered with leading bookstores and publishers nationwide to launch promotional campaigns at book fairs in Bangkok and other provinces, easing the financial burden, encouraging reading, and expanding its cardmember base.

Mr. Suwich Rungwattanapaiboon, President of PUBAT, stated that a survey conducted with Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Psychology, involving 1,500 readers from teenagers to seniors, found that Thais read an average of 113 minutes daily.  Seniors read the most, preferring e-books for their adjustable text size and read-aloud features, while the working-age group reads the least due to work commitments.  The top 5 book genres are comics, novels, psychology, self-help, and Dhamma.

The book industry had its highest market value of approximately 25 billion baht in 2014, which dropped to about 12 billion baht in 2020 due to the decline in newspaper and magazine sales.  By 2023, the market value recovered to around 17 billion baht, likely due to a 30% increase in book prices post-COVID.  However, book sales and production volumes remain sensitive to economic conditions, as consumers may reduce book expenses during financial constraints.

Mr. Terapoj Chokeanantang, Director – Credit Card Marketing Division, “KTC” or Krungthai Card Public Company Limited, emphasized the importance of reading as a key to learning.  Modern readers increasingly prefer online formats with engaging content, and there is a growing interest in niche genres such as boy’s love novels, psychology, marketing, and inspiration.  KTC has partnered with major bookstores and publishers, including Asia Books, B2S, Chulalongkorn University Book Center, DMG Publishing, Naiin, SE-ED Book, Suriwong Book Center, and Jamsai, to offer special privileges for KTC credit cardmembers:

1. Up to a 20% or 450 baht discount.

2. 18% cash back on every 500 baht spent with a KTC credit card and 500 KTC FOREVER points redeemed.  Register by texting BNS followed by your 16-digit card number to 06 1384 5000, visiting ktc.promo.bns, or calling KTC PHONE at 02 123 5000.

3. A special installment plan of 0.69% interest per month for up to 10 months on purchases of 3,000 baht or more (transactions of 500 baht or more can be combined).  Request this service via KTC PHONE at 02 123 5000 on the day of purchase.

For more details, visit https://www.ktc.co.th/promotion/book-hobby-entertainment/book-and-publishing/book-in-style.  KTC has also partnered with PUBAT to offer special privileges to KTC credit cardmembers at the National Book Fair and International Book Fair in Bangkok and other provinces, promoting a love of reading among its members.

• For more information
  KTC PHONE 02 123 5000

• Get updates on other KTC promotions at
  https://www.ktc.co.th/promotion/book-hobby-entertainment/book-and-publishing/book-in-style

• To apply for any KTC credit card
  “KTC TOUCH” branches nationwide
  https://ktc.today/apply-card

Remark: It is advisable for credit cardholders to use their cards responsibly and repay the full amount as scheduled to avoid incurring an annual interest rate of 16%.