Destination for reading

Published on November 2, 2007

The prominence of the big-chain bookstores has pushed independent booksellers to the verge of extinction. But at Bookmark, the owner is determined to make a difference. A book lover and an avid reader, Pakanun S Roongsang wants to prove that Thais love to read, and good books always prove themselves.

"I opened my own bookstore based on my belief that Thais love to read," explains Pakanun, who was once a headmistress and owner of a kindergarten school. "I also love to read and I think adding another bookstore into Bangkok does not hurt society. After all, books are always my good friends. They do not talk much. But every time I read, I always get some new knowledge. Books have value, no matter how old they are, and can still sell themselves at my bookstore."

Bookmark is a two-storey, modern-looking bookstore located in the Third Place building on Soi Thonglor. The place is frequented by workers who look for a space to meet, mingle and work outside their usual offices. The ground floor of the airy space is filled with Pakanun's carefully selected Thai titles, ranging from classics, biographies, and novels to history, Dhamma and food and travel. There is also a useful selection of self-help books, exercise manuals and language-learning guides. Some books here have been in print for a long time, and for good reason - because they still sell.

The ground floor also features the latest magazines, both in Thai and English, covering architecture, fashion and innovations. Parents will find a lively, attractive children's room, which is stocked with picture books, cartoons and fun tales, along with colourful cushions and sofas.

"As a former kindergarten school operator, I think if children are exposed to the right books at a young age, they will be able to carry their good reading habits into the future. Also, I think that picture books and tales for children are expensive, especially when compared with the incomes of most Thai people, so I established the kids' space where parents can bring their kids to enjoy the books for free," explains Pakanun.

Adults can also meet and mingle at Bookmark. The ground floor features a large table, set in the middle of the book shelves and anyone can come in to use the facility. Pakanun led us to the second floor where she has an in-house exhibition of the favourite books of "respectable" figures. On the day of our visit, books of Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva were on display. Pakanun plans to invite people she considers to have "good stuff" in their lives to display their selections in the future.

The second floor features English titles, mostly picture books on architecture, arts and graphics as well as travel. This section is quite large.

If you are tired from standing, there are low chairs and corners for sitting and browsing through your selections.

"I know it is a brave decision, business-wise, to open an independent bookstore," says Pakanun. "But I do believe that there are a lot of readers out there who look for a reading alternative. While other bookstores have to depend on the department stores' traffic, I want my bookstore to be the destination - the place people deliberately make a trip for. I know that might be a tough aspiration, but I am here to try."

Activities for children, such as plays, are in the pipeline as well as a plan to serve tea and other healthy drinks.

Also, Bookmark, after six months in business, is establishing its own community among book lovers. A website will soon be launched to facilitate the community that should add a new angle to this bookstore.

Bookmark

First floor, The Third Place, corner of Thonglor Soi 10

BTS: Thonglor

Daily, 10am to 9pm

(02) 714 8520, (02) 714 7627

Sirin P Wongpanit  

The writer can be reached at www.ohsirin.blogspot.com.