By Sohaib Shams
Thailand has banned the second edition of the Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Thailand, citing national security concerns. The order, signed by National Police Chief Samran Nualma and issued on Wednesday, states that the publication contains articles that "adversely affect national security and might cause unrest in the country." Importing or distributing the book could result in a prison sentence of up to three years, a fine of 60,000 baht, or both.
Textbook content and context
The revised edition, published in English in August, was edited by Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a Thai academic and outspoken critic of the monarchy based in Japan. It includes chapters examining the monarchy in the 21st century and the authorities' use of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law. The first edition, released in 2019, was not prohibited. Mr Pavin said the update was made to "reflect changes in Thai politics" following the youth-led pro-democracy demonstrations of 2020, during which protesters made unprecedented demands for reforms to the monarchy and military.
Editor's response
Mr Pavin told AFP that the ban was driven by the textbook being "packed with material on the monarchy." He described the move as evidence that "Thailand's democracy is backsliding." In a Facebook post, he thanked the Royal Thai Police for drawing attention to the book, suggesting the restrictions could have the opposite effect: "In the era of social media and the internet, a ban like this doesn't work. People might just skip the hard copy and get an ebook." He added that the publisher and he would benefit financially while Thai people become more aware, calling it a "win-win all around."
Previous bans and legal troubles
This is not the first time authorities have prohibited a publication by Mr Pavin. In 2023, his book Rama X: The Thai Monarchy under King Vajiralongkorn was banned under a similar order, with police stating its cover and contents reflected "the attitude of the author, deemed insulting to the Thai monarchy." Mr Pavin, 55, previously worked for Thailand's ministry of foreign affairs for 16 years before pursuing an academic career. He has lived in exile in Kyoto since the 2014 military coup, after refusing to comply with a junta summons. His passport was revoked and an arrest warrant issued. He also faces lese majeste charges linked to his involvement in the Facebook group Royalist Marketplace, which discusses the monarchy and political reform.
Lese majeste law
Thailand's lese majeste legislation protects the royal family from insults, defamation, or threats. Those convicted can receive prison sentences ranging from three to 15 years for each offence.
