Thai critic Pavin Chachavalpongpun criticises RTP after book ban

Thai academic and political critic Pavin Chachavalpongpun has lambasted Thailand's Royal Thai Police (RTP) following a ban on the import of his edited Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Thailand. The order, published by the Royal Gazette on November 5, prohibits the book's second edition from being ordered or imported into the country, citing concerns over national security, public order, and morality.

The ban, signed by RTP Commander Samran Nuanma on October 30, stems from Section 10 of the Printing Recordation Act 2007, which allows for up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both, for those who violate the restriction. It also empowers police to seize and destroy any copies of the book.

Pavin, a professor at Kyoto University's Centre for Southeast Asian Studies, defended the book, stating it was primarily written for students and academics. He rejected the RTP's allegations, questioning their comprehension of the material and expressing gratitude for the publicity the ban generated.

The ban marks the second instance of a book edited by Pavin being prohibited. His first target was Rama X: The Thai Monarchy under King Vajiralongkorn, published by Yale University's Southeast Asia Studies programme. Pavin is not the only academic or opposition figure criticizing the government's actions; they argue that the authorities should listen to protesters' demands to resolve the ongoing unrest in Thailand.