An American journalist whose critical book on Thailand’s king is banned took the limelight at an international academic conference Thursday even though the author didn’t appear in person.
One participant read out a paper written by journalist Paul Handley and others debated the accuracy and relevance of his “The King Never Smiles,” while taking swipes at the tough stance of censors when dealing with perhaps the most sensitive issue in Thailand — the role of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
In tracing the life of the 80-year-old monarch, Handley alleges that Bhumibol has proved a major stumbling block to the progress of democracy in Thailand as he consolidated royal power over a long reign. (AP, to continue)
I have read this book. It should be compulsory. One drawback : it’s a biography with a very classic form, linear with a lot of details. Some people could be discouraged.
The “gossips” that some thais are speaking about in order to discredit this work are of course, and on the contrary, very important to understand the situation. I should add that a lot of common thai people are aware of these (you’d be surprised)…
Through the life of the King, it’s a fascinating journey within the history of the country.
Last point : in a way, it’s a bit of a shame that the best piece of work about the monarchy in Thailand is written by a… foreigner.
I guess many thais are jealous. 
But in another way, this simple fact tells many things about the country…
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