{"id":4591,"date":"2026-01-27T17:44:57","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T10:44:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wikinews.asia\/?p=4591"},"modified":"2026-01-27T17:44:57","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T10:44:57","slug":"chommanard-international-declares-womens-power-to-change-the-world-eight-novels-shortlisted-for-the-final-round-of-the-chommanard-international-womens-literary-awa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/wikinews.asia\/?p=4591","title":{"rendered":"Chommanard International Declares \u201cWomen\u2019s Power to Change the World\u201d. Eight Novels Shortlisted for the Final Round of the Chommanard International Women\u2019s Literary Award 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \t<\/i> Read Time:<\/span>5 Minute, 51 Second <\/div>\n\n <\/div>

Bangkok, Thailand<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 The\u00a0Chommanard International Women\u2019s Literary Award 2025<\/strong>, widely known as\u00a0Chommanard International<\/strong>, has reached its final stage following six months of intensive deliberation by an international judging committee. The award recognizes outstanding novels by women writers from\u00a0ASEAN and the wider Asian region<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The organizers will officially announce the\u00a0eight shortlisted novels<\/strong>\u00a0on\u00a0Friday, 23 January 2026<\/strong>, from\u00a02:00\u20134:<\/strong>40 PM (GMT+7)<\/strong>\u00a0at\u00a0Asia Books, ICONSIAM<\/strong>, Bangkok.<\/p>\n

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The event will feature a series of activities celebrating the transformative power of women and literature, including a panel discussion titled\u00a0\u201cWomen\u2019s Power: Transforming Violence into Peace,\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0the presentation of the\u00a0Chommanard International Woman Writer of the Year 2025<\/strong>, and an announcement regarding the\u00a0international publication and translation<\/strong>\u00a0of the winning work. These initiatives aim to support women\u2019s literature in crossing linguistic and cultural borders and reaching a global readership.<\/p>\n

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The First International Competition Open to Global Submissions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The\u00a0Chommanard International Women\u2019s Literary Award 2025<\/strong>\u00a0marks a historic milestone as the\u00a0first Chommanard International award open to international submissions through a competitive process<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

While the Chommanard name has previously extended to international recognition\u2014namely\u00a0Chommanard International for Honorary and Lifetime Achievement<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0<\/strong>Chommanard International for Women\u2019s Literature 2024<\/strong>\u2014those editions were\u00a0non-competitive and conferred through selection only<\/strong>.<\/strong> The 2025 award is therefore the first to invite women writers from multiple countries to submit their works on an equal and open platform.<\/p>\n

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Building on the legacy of the\u00a0Chommanard Book Prize (Thai Language)<\/strong>, founded in\u00a02007<\/strong>, this international expansion reflects a long-standing commitment to supporting high-quality literary works by women and amplifying women\u2019s voices globally through literary recognition and translation.<\/p>\n

This year also marks the\u00a0first collaboration<\/strong>\u00a0between\u00a0Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Praphansarn Publishing Co., Ltd.<\/strong>\u00a0in organizing Chommanard International. The response exceeded expectations, with\u00a0over 70 submissions<\/strong>\u00a0from women writers across ASEAN, as well as\u00a0Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

As part of its outreach efforts, the Praphansarn Publishing team conducted\u00a0international roadshows<\/strong>\u00a0to promote the award and build cross-border literary networks. This inaugural competitive edition is widely regarded as a strong and inspiring foundation for the sustainable growth of Chommanard International.<\/p>\n

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The Power of Women\u2019s Literature<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Mr.\u00a0A<\/strong>rthorn Techatada<\/strong>, Senior Advisor at\u00a0Praphansarn Publishing Co., Ltd.<\/strong>, explained that the\u00a0Chommanard International Woman Writer Award<\/strong>\u00a0was created to expand the spirit of\u00a0\u201cChommanard\u201d<\/strong>\u2014Thailand\u2019s most respected women\u2019s literary prize\u2014into a truly global platform.<\/p>\n

The award provides space for women writers worldwide to express their creativity, social perspectives, and artistic excellence through literature that explores both the beauty of humanity and the complexities of contemporary society.<\/p>\n

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Judging criteria emphasize\u00a0literary excellence, cultural relevance, social impact, and contribution to regional literary heritage<\/strong>, with particular attention to cultural identity, contemporary realities, and cross-cultural dialogue. The award is grounded in the belief that women\u2019s stories strengthen literary traditions, empower new generations of voices, and foster a more inclusive cultural landscape.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0overall winning novel<\/strong>\u00a0will receive\u00a0500,000 THB<\/strong>, while\u00a0national-level winners<\/strong>\u00a0from each participating country will each receive\u00a040,000 THB<\/strong>. Award-winning works will be\u00a0translated into Thai<\/strong>\u00a0under a\u00a0five-year Thai-language publishing rights agreement<\/strong>, expanding access for Thai readers and promoting cultural exchange. This initiative also aims to elevate the international visibility of women writers from\u00a0ASEAN, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis award is dedicated to creating a global space where women\u2019s voices can resonate powerfully,\u201d Mr. Arthorn said.<\/strong>
\n\u201cIt reflects the role of women as creators, changemakers, and drivers of society\u2014through literature that inspires peace, equality, and understanding of human diversity.<\/p>\n

Chommanard International is not merely a literary competition; it is a declaration of women\u2019s shared intention worldwide\u2014that women\u2019s ideas, voices, and imaginations truly have the power to change the world. It stands as a symbol of collective wisdom, compassion, and strength in all dimensions of womanhood.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the support of\u00a0Bangkok Bank<\/strong>\u00a0and the unwavering commitment of\u00a0Praphansarn Publishing<\/strong>, the Chommanard International Women\u2019s Literary Award is not only a celebration of literature, but a powerful transmission of women\u2019s voices through the written word\u2014driving the world toward peace, equality, and deeper mutual understanding.<\/p>\n

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Shortlist: Chommanard International Women\u2019s Literary Award 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The eight shortlisted novels are:<\/p>\n

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  1. The Age of Goodbyes<\/em>\u2014 Li Zi Shu (Malaysia)<\/li>\n
  2. Chinatown<\/em>\u2014 Doan Anh Thu\u00e2n (Vietnam)<\/li>\n
  3. Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat<\/em>\u2014 Veeraporn Nitiprapha (Thailand)<\/li>\n
  4. Mountains More Ancient<\/em>\u2014 Isna Marifa (Indonesia)<\/li>\n
  5. The Mountains Sing<\/em>\u2014 Nguy\u1ec5n Phan Qu\u1ebf Mai (Vietnam)<\/li>\n
  6. The Sea Speaks His Name<\/em>\u2014 Leila S. Chudori (Indonesia)<\/li>\n
  7. Taiwan Travelogue<\/em>\u2014 Y\u00e1ng Shu\u0101ng-z\u01d0 (Taiwan)<\/li>\n
  8. Tongueless<\/em>\u2014 Lau Yee Wa (Hong Kong)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Event Information<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Event:<\/strong>
    \nChommanard International Women\u2019s Literary Award 2025 \u2013 Shortlist Announcement & Ceremony<\/p>\n

    Date:<\/strong>
    \nFriday, 23 January 2026<\/p>\n

    Time:<\/strong>
    \n2:00\u20134:00 PM (GMT+7)<\/p>\n

    Venue:<\/strong>
    \nAsia Books, ICONSIAM
    \nBangkok, Thailand<\/p>\n

    Format:<\/strong>
    \nIn-person (media attendance welcome)<\/p>\n

    Dress Code:<\/strong>
    \nBlack \/ White (Smart Casual)<\/p>\n

    Media Contact<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Chommanard International Awards Committee<\/strong>
    \nPraphansarn Publishing Co., Ltd.
    \nBusarakkum Terrace, 222 Buddhamonthon Sai 2,
    \nThaweewathana, Bangkok 10170, Thailand<\/p>\n

    Website:<\/strong> https:\/\/virf.io\/chommanard\/<\/a>
    \nEmail:<\/strong>\u00a0    chommanardaward@gmail.com<\/a>
    \nTel:<\/strong>\u00a0+66 2 448 0312<\/p>\n

    Organizers and Partners<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Organized by:<\/strong>
    \nPraphansarn Publishing Co., Ltd.<\/p>\n

    Award Sponsor:<\/strong>
    \nBangkok Bank Public Company Limited<\/p>\n

    Award Partners and Media Partners:<\/strong>
    \nPEN Thailand
    \nThe Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT)
    \nAsia Books
    \nMatichon
    \nAmarin
    \nVIRF<\/p>\n

    About the Chommanard International Women\u2019s Literary Award<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Founded on the legacy of the\u00a0Chommanard Book Prize (est. 2007)<\/strong>, the Chommanard International Women\u2019s Literary Award is dedicated to amplifying women\u2019s voices across cultures and languages. The 2025 edition marks its\u00a0first open international competition<\/strong>, recognizing outstanding novels by women writers through literary excellence, cultural relevance, and social impact.<\/p>\n

    About Praphansarn Publishing Co., Ltd.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Established in 1961,\u00a0Praphansarn Publishing Co., Ltd.<\/strong>\u00a0is one of Thailand\u2019s leading publishing houses, producing fiction, non-fiction, children\u2019s, and young adult titles. Its imprints include\u00a0Woman Publisher, Rainbow Publisher, and Asian Manga<\/strong>. The company actively supports the Thai literary ecosystem through initiatives such as the\u00a0Bangkok International Rights Fair<\/strong>\u00a0and educational programs for youth.<\/p>\n

    About the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Founded in 1959 and officially registered in 1965,\u00a0PUBAT<\/strong>\u00a0represents Thailand\u2019s publishing and bookselling industry. With 425 members as of 2019, PUBAT promotes quality publishing, writing, translation, professional unity, and international cooperation. It organizes national book fairs in Bangkok and supports regional book fairs nationwide. Internationally, PUBAT is a member of the\u00a0International Publishers Association<\/strong>, a founding member of the\u00a0ASEAN Book Publishers Association (2005)<\/strong>, contributed to Bangkok\u2019s designation as\u00a0UNESCO World Book Capital 2013<\/strong>, and hosted the\u00a030th International Publishers Congress in 2015<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    About PEN Thailand<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    P.E.N. International Thailand<\/strong>\u00a0is the Thailand Centre of\u00a0P.E.N. International<\/strong>, the global association of writers dedicated to promoting literature and defending freedom of expression. Operating under royal patronage, PEN Thailand supports writers, translators, and literary culture, while contributing to international efforts to protect writers at risk and foster cross-cultural literary exchange.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

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    Bangkok, Thailand\u00a0\u2014 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4592,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4591","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/wikinews.asia\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4591","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/wikinews.asia\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/wikinews.asia\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wikinews.asia\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wikinews.asia\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4591"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/wikinews.asia\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4591\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4602,"href":"http:\/\/wikinews.asia\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4591\/revisions\/4602"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wikinews.asia\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4592"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/wikinews.asia\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4591"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wikinews.asia\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4591"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wikinews.asia\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4591"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}