Thailand is a non-English speaking country and it follows that bookstores selling books in English are very few. So, for English-speaking tourists in Bangkok who crave for English reading materials especially books, here is our list of bookstores where you can buy them.
1. Kinokoniya
Kinokoniya is a Japanese-owned chain of bookstores with three branches in Bangkok: Siam Paragon, EmQuartier, and Central World. This bookstore also carries books in Japanese, Chinese and Thai. One of its selling points is the prominent display of new arrivals.
2. Asia Books
Asia Books pride itself as the largest chain of bookstores with branches in the provinces. Its flagship store is located on the sixth floor of Central World. The company also operates an online division.
This second-hand bookstore is located on Sukhumvit Road between Promphong and Thonglo BTS station. It has a large collection (over 18,000 titles) of history, economics, general knowledge, travel and fiction books in different European languages. It also sells CD music and serves coffee for customers who want to linger longer. One of its attractions is its policy of buying back its own books, though at a reduced price.
4. Bookstores at Chatuchak Market
Chatuchak Market has a second-hand book section on the southern side near MRT Station. Stacked from floor to ceiling are fiction and non-fiction books. Scavenge for old and new titles at very low prices.
5. Chulalongkorn University Book Centre
Chulalongkorn University Book Centre offers mostly books for students and professionals. It is located inside the university campus at Pathumwan District.
6. Hardcover Art Book Shop
As the name implies, this bookstore carries reading materials for the creative souls. It is located on the 3rd floor of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre near the National Stadium.
7. Passport Bookshop
Located on Phra Sumen Road (landmark is Queen Sirikit Arts and Exhibition center), Passport Bookshop is a good place to check for titles on Southeast Asia as well as fiction books.
8. Passport Bookshop
Located on Phra Sumen Road (landmark is Queen Sirikit Arts and Exhibition center), Passport Bookshop is a good place to check for titles on Southeast Asia as well as fiction books.
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