Chommanard International Declares “Women’s Power to Change the World”. Eight Novels Shortlisted for the Final Round of the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award 2025

Bangkok, Thailand — The Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award 2025, widely known as Chommanard International, 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 ASEAN and the wider Asian region.

The organizers will officially announce the eight shortlisted novels on Friday, 23 January 2026, from 2:00–4:40 PM (GMT+7) at Asia Books, ICONSIAM, Bangkok.

The event will feature a series of activities celebrating the transformative power of women and literature, including a panel discussion titled “Women’s Power: Transforming Violence into Peace,” the presentation of the Chommanard International Woman Writer of the Year 2025, and an announcement regarding the international publication and translation of the winning work. These initiatives aim to support women’s literature in crossing linguistic and cultural borders and reaching a global readership.

The First International Competition Open to Global Submissions

The Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award 2025 marks a historic milestone as the first Chommanard International award open to international submissions through a competitive process.

While the Chommanard name has previously extended to international recognition—namely Chommanard International for Honorary and Lifetime Achievement and Chommanard International for Women’s Literature 2024—those editions were non-competitive and conferred through selection only. The 2025 award is therefore the first to invite women writers from multiple countries to submit their works on an equal and open platform.

Building on the legacy of the Chommanard Book Prize (Thai Language), founded in 2007, this international expansion reflects a long-standing commitment to supporting high-quality literary works by women and amplifying women’s voices globally through literary recognition and translation.

This year also marks the first collaboration between Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited and Praphansarn Publishing Co., Ltd. in organizing Chommanard International. The response exceeded expectations, with over 70 submissions from women writers across ASEAN, as well as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China.

As part of its outreach efforts, the Praphansarn Publishing team conducted international roadshows to 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.

The Power of Women’s Literature

Mr. Arthorn Techatada, Senior Advisor at Praphansarn Publishing Co., Ltd., explained that the Chommanard International Woman Writer Award was created to expand the spirit of “Chommanard”—Thailand’s most respected women’s literary prize—into a truly global platform.

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.

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

The overall winning novel will receive 500,000 THB, while national-level winners from each participating country will each receive 40,000 THB. Award-winning works will be translated into Thai under a five-year Thai-language publishing rights agreement, expanding access for Thai readers and promoting cultural exchange. This initiative also aims to elevate the international visibility of women writers from ASEAN, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

“This award is dedicated to creating a global space where women’s voices can resonate powerfully,” Mr. Arthorn said.
“It reflects the role of women as creators, changemakers, and drivers of society—through literature that inspires peace, equality, and understanding of human diversity.

Chommanard International is not merely a literary competition; it is a declaration of women’s shared intention worldwide—that women’s 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.”

With the support of Bangkok Bank and the unwavering commitment of Praphansarn Publishing, the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award is not only a celebration of literature, but a powerful transmission of women’s voices through the written word—driving the world toward peace, equality, and deeper mutual understanding.

Shortlist: Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award 2025

The eight shortlisted novels are:

1. The Age of Goodbyes— Li Zi Shu (Malaysia)
2. Chinatown— Doan Anh Thuân (Vietnam)
3. Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat— Veeraporn Nitiprapha (Thailand)
4. Mountains More Ancient— Isna Marifa (Indonesia)
5. The Mountains Sing— Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai (Vietnam)
6. The Sea Speaks His Name— Leila S. Chudori (Indonesia)
7. Taiwan Travelogue— Yáng Shuāng-zǐ (Taiwan)
8. Tongueless— Lau Yee Wa (Hong Kong)

Event Information

Event:
Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award 2025 – Shortlist Announcement & Ceremony

Date:
Friday, 23 January 2026

Time:
2:00–4:00 PM (GMT+7)

Venue:
Asia Books, ICONSIAM
Bangkok, Thailand

Format:
In-person (media attendance welcome)

Dress Code:
Black / White (Smart Casual)

Media Contact

Chommanard International Awards Committee
Praphansarn Publishing Co., Ltd.
Busarakkum Terrace, 222 Buddhamonthon Sai 2,
Thaweewathana, Bangkok 10170, Thailand

Website: https://virf.io/chommanard/
Email: chommanardaward@gmail.com
Tel: +66 2 448 0312

Organizers and Partners

Organized by:
Praphansarn Publishing Co., Ltd.

Award Sponsor:
Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited

Award Partners and Media Partners:
PEN Thailand
The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT)
Asia Books
Matichon
Amarin
VIRF

About the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award

Founded on the legacy of the Chommanard Book Prize (est. 2007), the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award is dedicated to amplifying women’s voices across cultures and languages. The 2025 edition marks its first open international competition, recognizing outstanding novels by women writers through literary excellence, cultural relevance, and social impact.

About Praphansarn Publishing Co., Ltd.

Established in 1961, Praphansarn Publishing Co., Ltd. is one of Thailand’s leading publishing houses, producing fiction, non-fiction, children’s, and young adult titles. Its imprints include Woman Publisher, Rainbow Publisher, and Asian Manga. The company actively supports the Thai literary ecosystem through initiatives such as the Bangkok International Rights Fair and educational programs for youth.

About the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT)

Founded in 1959 and officially registered in 1965, PUBAT represents Thailand’s 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 International Publishers Association, a founding member of the ASEAN Book Publishers Association (2005), contributed to Bangkok’s designation as UNESCO World Book Capital 2013, and hosted the 30th International Publishers Congress in 2015.

About PEN Thailand

P.E.N. International Thailand is the Thailand Centre of P.E.N. International, 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.