Exiled academic's second monarchy book banned by Thailand – with distributors facing prison

WorldPolitics
6 Nov 2026 • 6:04 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Exiled academic's second monarchy book banned by Thailand – with distributors facing prison

  • Thailand has banned the second edition of the Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Thailand, citing national security concerns and threats to public order.
  • The textbook was edited by exiled Thai academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun and includes updated chapters examining the monarchy and lese majeste laws.
  • Under an order signed by National Police Chief Samran Nualma, police are authorised to confiscate copies, with distributors facing up to three years in prison.
  • Mr Pavin criticised the decision as an indicator of backsliding democracy, while suggesting the ban would unintentionally increase digital sales.
  • This marks the second publication by Mr Pavin to be prohibited in Thailand, following a 2023 ban on his book regarding King Vajiralongkorn.

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