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ภาษาไทย
Double A Book Tower
If I were a 20-something office girl working in Sathorn, I’d probably list Double A Book Tower as one of my top lunchtime destinations, followed closely by the som-tam shop and clothing stalls selling bargain tops for 80 baht a piece, or two for 150 baht.
Based in Bangkok’s central business district, Double A Book Tower (I’ll abbreviate this to DABT as the real name is just too long) knows its market well. Unlike the stalls, this place has air-conditioning, comfortable seating (relaxation centers, for some), clean toilets, and a good selection of affordable books and magazines, mostly in Thai.
As if it didn’t already have enough to attract those office workers, it has a large section dedicated to graphic novels and comic books. Buddhists might not believe in heaven, but this tower gets them part way there.
The first six floors of the tower are mostly organized according to publishers. There are themed zones especially for children. The emphasis is on value for money in an attractive and familiar environment. It’s not upmarket like Kinokuniya, but it’s nonetheless a pleasant place to be.
The seventh floor (described on the DABT website as a multimedia and food zone) has something of an empty feel but it does nonetheless have a small bookstore named Skoob, selling used English and Japanese books. Most paperbacks are marked 150 to 170 baht, with some less popular and worn copies going for as little as 70 baht. Hardback books in good condition were marked in the 300 to 600 baht price range.
There’s another area on the first floor (ground floor) that stocks local fiction popular with foreign customers, including the usual bar girl stories which can be found in most book stores, or for that matter experienced first hand. Unabridged classic fiction is also available at budget prices of 109 baht per book.
DABT serves its local market of office workers very well. It’s also close to several large Thai schools (including Bangkok Christian College) and no doubt attracts many students with its selection of comic books and children’s fiction, if these two genres are indeed different. Admittedly, DABT is much less appealing for foreign visitors, but it is easily accessible from Sathorn Road and two nearby BTS stations, so may be worth a look.
Some of the children’s books and text books written in Thai could be of interest to foreigners learning Thai as a second language. You could always ask one of those office girls to help you with your selection.
Opening times
Monday to Friday 11.00 - 20.00
Saturday and Sunday 10.00 - 20.00
Contact details
Email: info@DoubleABookTower.com
Website: http://www.doubleabooktower.com/
Address
122 Soi Sathon 12
North Sathon Road
Silom
Bang Rak
Bangkok 10500
Thailand
Address (Thai language)
122 ซอยสาทร 12
ถนนสาทรเหนือ
แขวงสีลม
เขตบางรัก
กรุงเทพมหานคร 10500