Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, revealed on the occasion of chairing a press conference announcing Bangkok as a city of learning and activities to promote reading in the “Bangkok Reading and Learning Festival” that Bangkok has been selected and certified as a new member of the global network of learning cities, which not only confirms success but also demonstrates the process or tools for success of various policies. The main problem is whether Bangkok is too big to be able to do this or not, but all teams insist that the whole of Bangkok must be joined because it is a city with the most opportunities in the economy and in terms of learning, thanks to the network partners.

Bangkok is one of three cities in Thailand selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) from 64 cities in 35 countries around the world that applied to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities: GNLC. Bangkok, along with Khon Kaen and Yala provinces, were considered new members of the global network of learning cities this year on 14 February 2024. It recognizes outstanding efforts to make lifelong learning a reality for everyone at the local level through features including:
1. Links of educational institutions, training institutes, and cultural institutes as well as the participation of diverse partners such as representatives of government, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
2. To be a city that can mobilize resources in all sectors to promote quality learning at every stage of life.
3. Expanding modern learning technology in line with operations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals: SDGs

Currently, Thailand has 10 cities that have been announced as members of the global network of learning cities: Chiang Rai (a member in 2019), Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chachoengsao (a member in 2020), Sukhothai, Phayao, Hat Yai (a member in 2022) and the most recent members in 2024 are Bangkok, Khon Kaen, and Yala.

To support Bangkok as a city of learning, Bangkok has collaborated with reading promotion network partners to organize the Bangkok Read & Learn Festival 2024 in March – April 2024. There will be activities to promote learning in line with the book festival or National Book Week. It is a gathering of people who love books and get to meet writers. It also opens learning spaces throughout Bangkok, including libraries of government agencies, private agencies, and independent bookstores, with a variety of activities such as Walking Trip, Biking Trip, #BKKBooktok, fun reading on TikTok, and reading activities that will make everyone get to know Bangkok’s learning libraries even more.