Thailand Bans Academic Handbook Edited by Exiled Scholar

According to a report by Khaosod English, the Thai government has issued a ban on the importation of the 'Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Thailand, Second Edition.' The order, which was published in the Royal Gazette on November 4, 2026, specifically targets the academic volume edited by Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a prominent political scientist currently living in exile. Authorities justified the prohibition by stating that the book's contents could potentially threaten national security and public order. For residents and visitors, this development highlights the strict regulatory environment regarding political literature and academic materials within the country. While the ban specifically restricts the importation of this particular publication, it serves as a reminder of the government's ongoing scrutiny of political discourse. At this time, it remains to be confirmed how strictly this ban will be enforced at customs checkpoints for individual travelers carrying personal copies of the book. Furthermore, there has been no official statement regarding whether other academic works associated with the editor will face similar restrictions in the future. Travelers are advised to remain aware of local regulations concerning imported media to avoid potential complications at the border.