Bangkok | World Book Capital in 2013

Following the selection of Bangkok as UNESCO's World Book Capital in 2013, the city's Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra discusses the forthcoming event and programme in an interview with BK Magazine:

Why was this an important project for you?
A book is the most important, longest living source of knowledge. And reading books is the best way to get that knowledge. I would like people to read more. It’s just a question of changing your routine, replacing time you spend listening to music or being on social networks with reading for example. And it doesn’t have to be serious books. If you start to read, you’ll read more and more.

What is your favorite kind of books?
Books where people murder each other. Specifically, books referring to history and politics.

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In 2011 the UNESCO Committee selected Bangkok as the 13th World Book Capital “ for its willingness to bring together all the various stakeholders in the book supply chain and beyond, actors involved in the publication chain for a range of projects proposed, for its community-focused and the high level of its commitment through the proposed activities.”

The World Book Capital selection committee includes representatives from the International Publishers Associations (IPA-UIE), the International Booksellers Federation (IBF), the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and UNESCO. Each year this Committee attributes the title to a city which has committed itself to promote books and reading, and to highlight the vitality of literary creativity. The nomination does not imply any financial prize, but an exclusively symbolic acknowledgement of the best programme dedicated to books and reading.