The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata proudly showcased Thailand’s soft powers “Thai Pavilion” at the 47th International Kolkata Bookfair

The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata proudly participated in the 47th International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) held from January 18-31, 2024, at the Central Park Mela Ground, Kolkata. As part of the Bookfair, the Consulate-General established a captivating "Thai Pavilion" showcasing the vibrant essence of Thailand through an extensive collection of Thai books covering various facets of the country's rich culture, history, and contemporary life. Aiming to foster deeper understanding and people-to-people contact between Thailand and Kolkata, the pavilion offered a range of engaging activities beyond literary immersion.

At the pavilion, visitors had opportunity to test their knowledge in a playful Thailand quiz, learned basic Thai handwriting and created customized postcards in workshops, and received expert guidance on visas and tourism at the dedicated clinic. The pavilion, offered free of charge, attracted interested visitors who enjoyed the range of books and activities. This year, the Consulate-General received an overwhelmingly positive response, attracting a large number of visitors throughout the day and earning positive coverage from local media.

Held annually in Kolkata, the International Kolkata Book Fair is a literary celebration, currently ranking as the second largest international book fair, only after Frankfurt Book Fair. This event boasts a rich history, spanning 47 years and attracting a diverse range of publishers. In 2024, over 1,000 booths from Thailand and countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Russia, Spain, Bangladesh, and Latin America countries showcased their diverse array of books and interactive activities.