Rassarin Kijchaisawas, the owner of the Soonthornphu bookshop, joined the cultural programme held by the Book Studies Foundation and the Ministry of Culture last year. "I think I won the award because I am committed to promoting reading and contributing to society. When the community was hit by the coronavirus, my bookshop becomes a donation centre," she told the Bangkok Post by phone. She encouraged reading on all platforms but hometown bookshops can offer a unique experience and face-to-face interaction. "I organise reading activities and encourage children to share their experiences.
