Another Book by Yale University Press

King Bhumiphon of Thailand
"The King Never Smiles"


"The Cartoons That Shook the World"


I just finished reading a book by Paul Handley entitled, "The King Never Smiles", published by Yale University Press. It is a recently-published biography of King Bhumiphon, who has reigned as king of Thailand for six decades. Having been stationed in Bangkok from 1975-78, the most turbulent period in modern Thai history, I have an interest in the country to this day. Bhumiphon, it should be noted, is a greatly beloved figure in Thailand for his charity, good works helping the poor and ability to shut down violent upheavals in government even though he is a constitutional monarch, much like Elizabeth in Britain. To criticize the king or royal family is unacceptable in Thailand and there is indeed a "lese majeste" law on the books, which is enforced by prison terms for offenders. This book by Handley, while acknowledging Bhumiphon's good and great points, also goes behind the scenes of Thai history to point out the flaws and weaknesses in the king's rule, as well as describe the serious problems posed by the Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, the heir-apparent, who is, to put it politely, a thug. I would be very surprised if this book is allowed to be sold in Thailand. Yet, in contrast, Yale University Press is now being criticized for cowardice over its handling of another recently-published book on the controversy of the Muslim cartoons.

This book entitled "The Cartoons That Shook the World" by Jytte Klausen, is reportedly not anti-Islamic in nature, but discusses the reaction in the Muslim world to the cartoons that were published a few years ago by a Danish cartoonist, The Yale University Press decided not to publish the images of the cartoons themselves nor any images of Muhammed.

The first two questions that arise are how a book could be published about the cartoons that caused all the world-wide uproar-without the cartoons themselves. It is not that they are not available; indeed, they are all over the Internet. It strikes me sort of like publishing a book about modern art, but not showing any pictures of modern art itself.

The second question is the issue of Yale University Press engaging in self-censorship. Clearly they are, and they have admitted it. Here is Yale University Press director John Donatich:

"You can count on violence if any illustration of the prophet is published. It will cause riots, I predict, from Indonesia to Nigeria."

So my question to Mr Donatich is simple. Why does YUP publish a book that will clearly offend millions of Thais, will likely be kept out of Thailand and likely will prevent Mr Handley from ever returning to Thailand, but refuse to publish mere images that caused violent outbreaks worldwide?

I will answer the question for Mr Donatich.

The Thais, however offended they may be about the criticism of a king they truly revere, will not riot. Yes, there is a lese majeste law that would be enforced within the Thai borders. If one were to bad-mouth the king face to face with a Thai, a violent reaction would likely result. But, the Thais will not engage in volatile protests over this book. They will not go on rampages and kill people. They will not threaten to kill anybody. They will not issue fatwas for people to be killed. Thus, there is no problem for "The King Never Smiles". Not so for "The Cartoons That Shook the World". Mr Donatich is correct; the Muslim world will not react as will the Thais. There would be riots, people killed, fatwas issued and demands for the extradition of the writer and editor(s) to some Islamic country for prosecution.

Pity that the Islamic world (with the exception of those in Malaysia and Indonesia)have no idea of the comparison they should be making between themselves and the Thais when sacred institutions are criticized or mocked. To conclude, I take note that Mr Handley's book has been quietly published with no international fanfare or protest. Ms Klausen's book is already international news.