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In spite of the crowds, the latest survey from the National Statistics Office has found that Thais aged six years and older read less than they used to. In 2005, 69.1 per cent spent time reading. The figure declined to 66.3 per cent in 2008. The other 33.7 per cent who did not read said they spent time watching TV (54.3 per cent). Many of the non-readers said that they didn't like reading or they were unable to.

The survey also showed that Thais read less at all ages. Most spent time watching TV. This is alarming news because Thai TV programmes are not produced to promote the learning process. Most - especially those during prime time - are designed to attract advertisers. Thus, they are mostly soap dramas with the same old theme of women engaging in cat fights to win over a man. Thananutch Treetippayabutr, secretary-general of the National Statistics Office, says that such TV shows will not stimulate creativity and that reading is an essential element in fostering creative thinking.

Seventy-one per cent of Thais said they read newspapers. But the time they spend reading is alarmingly short. In 2005, Thais on average spent only 51 minutes reading per day, while last year they spent only 39 minutes. Of all demographic groups, youngsters spent the most time reading, at 46 minutes per day.

All concerned parties should think about how to promote reading among Thais, especially children. The price of books should be reduced to affordable levels. Libraries with a variety of good books should be established in all communities.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn made a valuable comment when she said that a library houses knowledge that is passed from one generation to another. She wants to see more public libraries with all kinds of books, in particular for children.

Most children are anxious to learn new things, and if adults can provide them with books with quality content, they will grow up wiser, more knowledgeable, and more productive. Promotion of reading must be an essential part of the government's effort to reform the educational system. And the most effective method to achieve this goal is simple: encourage reading and make books affordable.