Thailand bans textbook on national security grounds

The royal family holds revered status in Thai society and is shielded from criticism by a defamation law that critics say is used to muzzle dissent. | REUTERS

Nov 5, 2026

Bangkok – Thailand has banned a textbook about the country on national security grounds, with the tome’s exiled editor saying Thursday it 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.

The book, a second edition of the “Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Thailand” published in English in August, was edited by Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a prominent academic and critic of the Thai monarchy who is based in Japan.

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