Country of Focus: Thailand

For its 12th edition, AFCC celebrates Thailand as Country of Focus (COF).

With its rich history of children’s literature dating back as far as the 18th century, Thailand’s kidlit and YA publishing markets are constantly evolving alongside its neighbours in the region.

This year, AFCC celebrates Thailand as the Country of Focus in our continuing efforts to understand, engage and showcase the best of children’s book writers and illustrators from South-East Asia.

COUNTRY OF FOCUS SESSIONS

27 May (Thu) 4:00pm – 5:00pm

28 May (Fri) 3:00pm — 4:00pm

PANEL Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution in the ASEAN: Obstacles and Solutions

The ASEAN region boasts a combined population of approximately 649 million people and one-third of them are potential readers aged 19 or younger. However, children and young adult books by ASEAN writers are still inaccessible to their readers. What is the cause? Publishers and distributors from the region will talk about the present obstacles and positives they experience in distributing books in the region.

PANEL Promoting Creative Economies: The Thai Experience

Have you caught the latest Disney hit, Raya and the Last Dragon? Meet Thai artist Fawn Veerasunthorn, who was the head of story for the film. Find out how she led the team of storyboard artists for Disney’s first-ever Southeast Asian princess and the pitfalls, challenges and triumphs of Asian creators from a Thai creative’s perspective. Fawn will also share how Raya and the Last Dragon managed to be successfully authentic to the depiction of Southeast Asian culture.

Co-organised with the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), COF: Thailand features key players in today’s Thai book market, as well as developing creative economies such as animation and film, and the launch of a co-translation project of selected Thai and Singapore titles, supported by The Head Foundation. Please refer to our website afcc.com.sg for the confirmed list of speakers

29 May (Sat) 9am – 10am

30 May (Sun) 9am – 10am

PANEL One City, One Book: Reading Initiatives in Thailand

Adapted from a project first started by a Seattle-based librarian in 1988, “One Book, One City” has become a thriving reading initiative in Northern Thailand. The project evolved from a reading campaign into a content development programme that engages schools, state leaders and non-profits to develop their own children’s books for their reading initiatives. Discover more about this reading initiative and understand why it’s high time we win children from all over — one book and one city at a time.

LECTURE A Window into Children’s Literature in Thailand

Understand Thai Children’s Literature in this special lecture that deep dives into its history, current developments and future trends.