Charun Homthienthong is the newly-elected president of The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand. Apart from promoting reading and book-selling in, he aims to help small and independent publishers compete in the increasingly cut-throat industry.
Charun has different ideas on books. He is against book donations because "no one donates good books" and he dreams to see "gift baskets [of books] during the New Year or other important holidays." Charun spared his time to chat with Life about reading and books.
_ Anchalee Kongrut
What book is currently on your bedside?
Khon Kao Lao Ruang (Newsman Telling News) by Pinyo Trisuriyadhamma, former Thai PBS anchor. The book was based on his interviews with renowned social thinker Sulak Sivaraksa. There are anecdotes of renowned historical figures such as Prince Damrong, Prince Naris and King Rama VI. The book is blessed with exquisite photos and illustrations.
I always believe that books should be like this. They must contain good information, a gorgeous cover [and] illustrations.
Are you an avid reader? Do you have an ideal place to read? Do you use electronic reading devices?
I read 40 books a year and I usually read at home. I usually carry lightweight paperbacks in my pocket to read. I do not own a reading device. I am not against it, but most electronic reading devices come with glaring monitors that are not good for your eyes.
Eyesight-friendly reading devices such as the Kindle are not yet available for Thai books. But overall, I am still accustomed to the touchy-feely quality of physical books.
What book that was recommended to you by friends or critics let you down?
I never follow recommended reading lists or critics' choices. I have my own unfavourable lists. Recently, I was let down when I read a translated book, Rueng Lab Thi Dragon Cafe, and decided to discard it because of a translation mistake about the phonetics of the names of Chinese dynasties.
Do you have a favourite book about the life of a publisher?
I don't read books about writers or publishers. My favourite book of the year isKarn Lar Ork Krang Sud Tai (The Last Resignation) by former journalist Panumas Thongtanakul, about a man who voluntarily becomes unemployed. This book has been reprinted over 20 times.
What is your all-time favourite book?
Lair Pai Karng Nah by Sriburapha. This book changed my perspective on social problems. I read this book in 1975 when I was a student at Ramkhamhaeng University. I read works by celebrated Thai writers such as Suwannee Sukontha. But Lair Pai Karng Nah made me interested in poverty issues.
