The Thai capital city of Bangkok will host the International Publishers Association (IPA) Congress in March 2014 in its capacity as the World Book Capital.

This comes after Bangkok was selected as the World Book Capital by the IPA, the International Booksellers Federation (IBF), the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and UNSECO.

The event is scheduled to take place on March 25-27, 2014, drawing publishers from around the world to Bangkok .

According to Culture, Sports and Tourism Department (CSTD) Deputy Director Chatchakul Rattanawiboon, the IPA Congress is the most important conference for the international publishing industry.

Launched in 1896, the Congress has provided a stage for publishers around the world to discuss, consult, and exchange their ideas. Also, it has established good relationships among publishers as well as the exchange in knowledge and technology.

The CSTD, which is a unit under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, had advertised the Bangkok World Book Capital campaign at the 2013 Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany during October 9-13.

It has received positive feedback from almost 500 publishers who provide their contact information. Not only this makes Thai and Southeast Asian publishing industry more recognizable in global stage, but it will also promote tourism in Thailand at the same time.

It is hoped that by promoting the publishing industry, making good books available more, Thai people’s reading habits will also improve, said the CSTD Deputy Director.-VNA