National Police Chief Bans Import of Book Edited by Pavin Chachavalpongpun
Thailand's national police chief has invoked the Printing Act to ban the import and circulation of a Routledge academic handbook on contemporary Thailand edited by scholar Pavin Chachavalpongpun, claiming its content threatens national security and public order. The order, now in force, carries penalties of up to three years in jail and a 60,000 baht fine, and authorises police to seize and destroy any copies of the book.
Police General Saran Nualma, the national police chief, has signed an order banning the import and distribution of the book "Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Thailand Second Edition" because Pavin Chachavalpongpun serves as its editor. Published in the Royal Gazette on 4 November 2026 as National Police Office Order No. 455/2569, the directive cites articles in the volume that allegedly affect national security and could incite unrest, violating the Printing Act B.E. 2550. Violators are liable to a maximum of three years imprisonment, a fine not exceeding 60,000 baht, or both, and authorities may confiscate and destroy any copies found in the country.
