# Thailand bans textbook on national security grounds

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/thailand-bans-textbook-on-national-security-grounds/
- Published: 2026-11-05T11:57:30+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T12:34:34+00:00
- Original publisher: CNA (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailand-bans-textbook-national-security-6527401
- Topics: Government, Politics, World

## Key points

- Thailand has banned a handbook on the country.
- Authorities cite national security and public order.
- Distributors face up to three years in prison.

## Summary

Thailand has banned the second edition of an English-language handbook on contemporary Thailand, citing national security and public order. Its exiled editor, academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun, says the ban is prompted by chapters about the monarchy and the use of the lese-majeste law, and argues it reflects democratic backsliding.

Published in August, the Routledge handbook was updated to reflect political changes since the 2020 pro-democracy protests; its 2019 first edition was not banned. Police may seize and destroy copies, while importing or distributing the book can bring up to three years in prison, a fine of 60,000 baht, or both. Thailand’s lese-majeste law carries prison terms of up to 15 years per offence.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.