You may have suspected Bangkok's role as the 2013 World Book Capital would become a lost cause or forgotten campaign, but don't be too quick to judge.
The title granted by Unesco comes into effect on April 23, and the first events of the year of living bookishly will take place from April 21 to 23.
Unesco grants the title in recognition of cities that display quality in their programmes to promote books and reading, and Bangkok is the 13th to be chosen.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the opening at Paragon shopping centre on April 22. There will be activities and exhibitions, one of which will focus on the Princess's love for reading. Audiences can learn about her favourites, inspirations and also about the books she wrote.
April 23, which is Unesco's World Book and Copyright Day, marks the handing over of the World Book Capital title from the Armenian capital Yerevan. Ceremonies will take place at Sanam Luang, with a notable activity being tuk batr nung sue, or giving book alms to monks, starting at 7am. Expect a lot of flags and representatives from embassies and publishers at the ceremony.
With a budget of more than 200 million baht, Bangkok has planned innumerable activities throughout the year for the public.
Pranee Satayaprakop, director-general of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Department at Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, stressed the importance of reading.
"Reading brings development and we need to make reading a part of our culture as a means to develop humans," she said. "People must also be able to think for themselves and reading alone is not enough."
Some fun everyone can look forward to is the monthly book pick-up at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Donated and free books will be available for anyone to go and grab for free.
As well as activities and exhibitions around the city, the public can find more libraries with a kids' corner and contests to encourage writing and reading. As a way of embracing the future Asean community, there will also be the first Young SEA Write Award for writers under 20. Better start sharpening your short-story writing skills.
_ Parisa Pichitmarn
Keep track of the event schedules and contests at www.bangkokworldbookcapital2013.com and www.facebook.com/bkwbc2013.
