Thailand through writers’ eyes
Thailand’s cultural richness ensured that participation in this year’s book fair would be of great benefit to Taiwan.
A number of authors from Taiwan participated in exhibition events, including Sakinu Yalonglong, Chi Ta-wei, Ho Ching-yao, Chang Hsi, Lin Li-ching, Chen Mei-yan, Ho Wen-yung, Hsu Yu-jung, and Chiu Cheng-tsung. They represented diverse communal voices—Aboriginal and gay, for example—and a variety of genres, including fantasy, online writing, picture books and young adult literature. Through individual talks and panel discussions with Thai authors, these writers showcased the variety of Taiwan’s literary landscape and enlivened the cultural exchanges.
The first impression of many writers at the Bangkok Book Fair is often one of amazement. The crowds are as thick as during New Year celebrations and visitors can seem much like frenzied shoppers at an electronics show. This year’s displays featured a remarkable variety of publications, as well as e-book publishers and makers of logistics systems used for home delivery distribution.
Author Lin Li-ching, however, pointed out that the Bangkok Book Fair emphasizes merchandize and a lively shopping experience. This is quite a contrast to the Taipei International Book Exhibition, which features many more literary talks and where visitors are used to meeting authors in person, something that rarely happens at the Bangkok event. These differences might prove instructive for the organizers in both countries.
Fiction writer Ho Ching-yao noted that the various cultures on display at the book fair competed to outshine each other but they are in fact all quite unique in their own way. Seeing the rich variety on display, he became even more convinced that his own writing about yaoguai (demons and monsters) is a viable way to showcase the originality of Taiwanese culture. After seeing the brisk sales for picture books and children’s books at the fair, it dawned on him that he could create children’s picture books with those fantastical creatures and thus help preserve traditional folklore.
When the 11-day Bangkok International Book Fair drew to a close on April 5, readers came away satisfied, publishers had found new market opportunities, and authors and designers had all benefited from the creative collision of cultures. The event has rekindled Taiwanese interest in Southeast-Asian markets, and tales of further cultural cooperation are sure to follow.
As the translator of more than 100 Chinese-language works, Anurak Kitpaiboonthawee has a good understanding of publishing trends in Taiwan and China.
Thailand has become well known for sophisticated design that combines religious elements with a modern aesthetic.
Publications and cultural products from all over the world were displayed at the Bangkok Bookook Fair, reflecting Thailand’s reputation for tolerance.
Thailand’s unique culture has always provided rich source material for the creative industries and draws upon centuries of folk tradition.