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Published on January 9, 2008

Of the Princess's 11 books, the two most popular, according to a survey by The Nation, are "Mae Lao Hai Fung" (As Mother Told Me) and "Jao Nai Lek Lek: Yuwakasat" (The Young King).

Chulalongkorn University Book Centre deputy manager Songyos Samkasat yesterday said the bookstore had sold more than 1,000 copies of the Princess's books, of which about 90 per cent were the two popular ones mentioned above.

However, a source at Dokya bookstores said commemorative albums related to the Princess were gaining in popularity.

DMG Publishing sold 1,000 copies of all of the Princess's books within a few days. Usually, it sells a few copies a week. It has no more books left by the Princess and has no plans to bring in more stock, because the public can find the books from other sources, said executive chairman Danai Chanchaichai.

The reason "The Young King" is a best-seller is because it depicts the life of His Majesty the King in detail from when he was child, while "As Mother Told Me" features the teachings of the late Princess Mother, as well as the life of HM the King Ananda Mahidol (King Rama VIII) and the Princess.

Like all of the sources except the Chulalongkorn University Book Centre, which still has more than 1,000 copies in its warehouse, Amarin Printing and Publishing and Asia Books are running low on some books. They want to see if publishing houses will do another run and whether the Royal Palace will allow reprints.

Dokya has its Purchasing Department staff waiting at certain publishing houses, so that they can be among the first booksellers to buy copies in desired quantities.

Dokya had already requested 500-1,000 copies of all of the books but may not get that many. because other booksellers, such as the B2S by Central Group, Se-Ed and Book Smile, have also placed large orders.

Songyos thinks demand will remain high for a long time, because many want the books for their collections or to give as gifts. Parents also keep bringing their children to the stores to show them the books, as well as to buy the books for them.

Nitida Asawanipont

 The Nation