Asian Festival of Children's Content 2021 Programme Booklet

Page 19

Publishing in Thailand Trasvin Jittidecharak

How did the people of Thailand learn to read and write before the 20th century? In feudal society, boys and young freemen entered monkhood to be taught Buddhist doctrine. They learned to read and write from text written on khoi paper made from Mulberry bark, in accordion-style folded books, or on tied and bundled palm leaves. Writing surfaces were colour-coated to encourage ink to adhere to grooves made with sharpedged styli. Texts were reproduced by scribes for safekeeping in temple libraries and royal palaces. Education, clearly, was not for everyone. In 1796, during Rama I’s reign, Catholic priest Arnoud Antoine Garnaut set up a print shop in the Santa Cruz Church, Thonburi. The metal movable typesetting system used typefaces from Calcutta (Kolkata), and later from Singapore. It was not until 1841 that Siam produced its own type. Paper was imported from Europe, as locally produced khoi paper was too rough for mechanized printing. Illustrations, though rare, were created using lithography. Photographic reproduction was not introduced until after 1900. The first Thai-owned press was established at Boworn Temple in 1843 by monk-prince, and future king, Mongkut (1804–1868). After his accession, King Mongkut (Rama IV; r. 1851–1868) ordered the Government to set up a printing press to publish the Royal Gazette (Ratkitchanubeksa), administrative papers and records (chotmaihet), Royal Gazette (Ratkitchanubeksa)

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Book Illustrators Gallery

1min
page 65

Diverse Abilities Dance Collective

1min
page 64

Book Talks

2min
pages 62-63

30 May (Sun) Sessions • Reignite

6min
pages 56-61

29 May (Sat) Sessions • Rebuild

6min
pages 51-55

28 May (Fri) Sessions • Rebuild

7min
pages 45-50

Media Pitch 2021

1min
pages 30-31

27 May (Thu) Sessions • Reimagine

7min
pages 40-44

Masterclasses

1min
page 28

Workshops

2min
pages 26-27

Lectures

2min
pages 24-25

Publishing in Thailand

6min
pages 19-23

Country of Focus Night

1min
page 15

About Singapore Book Council

1min
page 7

An Introduction to Thai Juvenile Literature

4min
pages 16-18

Message from the Chairperson

1min
page 5

Country of Focus: Thailand

2min
pages 12-13

AFCC Co-translation Project

1min
page 14

Support Us

2min
pages 9-11

Message from the Executive Director

1min
page 6
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