TK Park: The Bangkok Library That’s an Absolute Steal for Expats
Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park) is an absolute gem for Bangkok residents, and I’ve been a proud member for as long as I can remember. The best part? Foreigners are lucky enough to join, and with multiple fee tiers, it offers tremendous value and access to a vast collection of English-language books, both fiction and non-fiction, and even magazines. As an annual member, you can now borrow up to 10 items for 14 days (a great increase from the previous limit!).
Membership Fees and Loan Perks
TK Park’s membership offers tremendous value, especially given its prime location on the 8th floor of CentralwOrld.
| Item | Detail | Cost (Baht/Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Holder (New) | For foreigners with work, residence, retirement, or marriage visas. | 200 |
| Visa Holder (Renewal) | Annual renewal price for above visas. | 150 |
| Non-Resident (New) | Non-Thai without a residence or work permit. | 400 |
| Non-Resident (Renewal) | Annual renewal price for above non-residents. | 300 |
| Day Pass | Requires showing an ID (not necessarily a passport) and a local phone number. | 20 |
The Digital Life: The MyTK App
TK Park has fully transitioned from a physical membership card to a convenient digital system using the MyTK app.
- Entry & Exit: A QR code generated through the app is required to enter and exit the library premises.
- Borrowing: You use the app’s QR code when checking out books.
- Renewals: The app makes managing your loans easy, saving you a trip just for renewal. You can renew the loan twice per item, extending the period by 14 days each time.
- Wi-Fi Access: The current Wi-Fi password is conveniently provided within the MyTK app (a great perk you can share with your day-pass companion!).
Loan Logistics, Amenities, and Fines
The rules for borrowing and returning are straightforward, but it’s crucial to know the fine details to keep your account active:
- Loan Limit: 10 books/materials per 14 days.
- Overdue Fine: The overdue fine is 10 Baht/item/day.
- Account Freeze: If items are overdue, your account will be frozen until the items are returned and the fines are paid. Fines are deducted from the deposit held on your membership card.
- Holidays: No fines are imposed on TK Park holidays.
- eReader Service: Annual members can use eReaders for in-library borrowing service only. Each device can be borrowed for up to 3 hours.
- Reminders: You’ll receive an email reminder from TK Park three days before the book’s due date, and a final email on the exact due date.
Working and Studying Amenities
Many members use the library for working and studying thanks to available plug points and dedicated zones. These include the Open Square and the Quiet Zone. They also still have the Kids’ Room, which is great for bringing along younger family members.
Book Reservations: A Double-Edged Sword
You can reserve books not currently on the shelf through the app. Once available, you’ll be notified via email and have 5 days to collect the items. The catch? If a book is reserved by someone else, you will not be able to extend your loan period, meaning you must make a trip to TK Park to return it and avoid any fines. It’s a bummer, but avoiding fines is key!
The recent hot list seems to be Freida McFadden books! To collect the books, just go to the service counter and scan your QR code; staff will process these books and hand them to you. The app is updated immediately with the return date.
Convenient Automatic Book Drops
Returning books is hassle-free thanks to multiple automatic book drop locations:
- Inside TK Park (8th Floor, CentralwOrld): Open Tue–Sun 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Outside TK Park (8th Floor, CentralwOrld): Open daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
TK Book Delivery Service
TK Park also offers a book delivery service via post, which is an incredible convenience for annual members, though I haven’t used it yet.
| Service Detail | Notes |
|---|---|
| Availability | Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM (Borrowing and Returning) |
| Borrowing Limit | Same as regular loan: up to 10 books for 14 days. |
| Timeline | The borrowing period begins on the date the order is placed. The return date is based on the postmark date/shipping receipt date. |
| Shipping | Via Thailand Post EMS; estimated 1–2 business days. |
Additional Fees
- Service Fee: 5 THB per book.
- Packaging Fee: Based on book size, one box per order.
- Shipping Fee: Based on destination (Bangkok vicinity vs. Upcountry).
- Note: Parcels under 1 kg delivered to special zones incur an additional 15 THB starting December 1, 2024.
A Coffee Break at TK Cafe
Take a break at the TK Cafe by ANOTHER DOT on the 8th floor. It’s a great spot to relax, and members receive a 10% discount (just show your app/member QR code)!
Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park) Contact Information
- Location: Central World 8th Floor, Dazzle Zone, Ratchadamri Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
- Nearest Public Transport: BTS Siam / BTS Chidlom
- Business Hours (TK Park): Tue-Sun 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Business Hours (TK Cafe): Tue-Sun 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Phone: 081 925-9900
- Website: https://www.tkpark.or.th/eng/home
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tkparkclub
