Taipei: At least 18 Thai authors are set to attend the 2026 Taipei International Book Exhibition (TiBE) in early February, with Thailand taking center stage as the guest of honor. The exhibition is scheduled from February 3 to 8 at the Taipei World Trade Center.
According to Focus Taiwan, ten of these authors have been invited by Thailand's representative office in Taipei, which will lead four forums during the event. Thai Trade Office Director Kallaya Leewongcharoen announced this at a recent news conference. The Thai pavilion will showcase the theme "CreaTHAIvity," displaying 50 representative books and featuring 21 illustrators along with participation from 37 publishing companies.
Among the notable authors attending are Kanokwalee Pojanapakorn, known for her extensive portfolio of over 60 novels, and Prasertsak Padmarid, who received the 2024 S.E.A. Write Award for his debut work "Ki Bad" (Weaving Wound). Prapt, a popular detective and BL novelist recognized with the Weibo Thailand Innovative Novelist Award, is also on the list.
Seven additional authors will join the exhibition through invitations from publishers, including former Thai parliamentarian Pita Limjaroenrat. His new book delves into his dramatic journey during the 2023 general election and his unsuccessful bid for the prime ministership despite his party's electoral success.
Veeraporn Nitiprapha, a two-time recipient of the Southeast Asian Writers Award, is another notable attendee. The Taipei Book Fair Foundation, a co-organizer of the exhibition, noted that other participating countries and regions include Belgium, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, India, Germany, and Hong Kong.
Lee Ching-hwi, a deputy minister in Taiwan's Ministry of Culture, highlighted that this marks the third occasion Thailand has been featured as TiBE's guest of honor, following 2009 and 2014. Lee emphasized that since its inception in 1987, TiBE has been a platform for cultural exchange, supported by Taiwan's dedication to freedom of speech and publication.
Lee also mentioned the NT$1,200 (US$38.17) Culture Points cash handouts available to Taiwan residents aged 13-22 starting January 1, encouraging public participation in the cultural event.