Thailand bans textbook on national security grounds

Summary

Thailand has banned a textbook about the country on national security grounds. The book is the second edition of the Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Thailand, published in English in August and edited by exiled Thai critic Pavin Chachavalpongpun. Its exiled editor said on Thursday that the book was outlawed over its content on the Thai monarchy. The royal family holds revered status in Thai society and is shielded from criticism by a strict defamation law that critics say is used to muzzle dissent.

Timeline

1. South China Morning Post

   5 Nov 2026, 09:25 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Thailand has banned a textbook about the country on national security grounds, and that its exiled editor said on Thursday it was outlawed over its content on the Thai monarchy.

2. The Japan Times

   5 Nov 2026, 11:20 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Thailand has banned a textbook on national security grounds, and notes that the royal family is shielded from criticism by a defamation law that critics say is used to muzzle dissent.