1984 novel by George Orwell; banned in Thailand (?)

[Matej]

Hello

Today I wanted to buy 1984 novel by George Orwell, in Thai language, for my wife.

In B2S bookstore, Sriracha, I was told that the book is banned because of the current political situation.

It is even possible? I can't belive this. Where am I? ...

I didin't choose this book because of the current situation in Thailand at all.

I just wanted something with artistic value. Books you must read in your lifetime.

I was asking about 3 books. Here are answers:

Demian by Herman Hesse, we don't have, sold out

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, we don't have, sold out

1984 by George Orwell, banned

(don't have Thailand = sold out, I guess so ...)

After 30 minutes I walked away with empty hands. Angrily.

What are Thai people reading despite, how to have white skin and how to be rich in a few clicks on internet?

Maybe I have to choose wiser and I will get what I'm expecting ...

M.

[AYJAYDEE]

did u order the other two?

[Tywais]

They did suppress a showing of the movie in Chiang Mai even though it is not banned per se. So it may be 'suggested' not to sell or be seen with it.

Police paid a visit to the gallery on Monday 9^th June and demanded the cancellation of the screening, following the Junta’s demands. It was explained to the owner that the film was of a political nature and was linked to anti-coup protests. Nineteen Eighty-Four has not yet being banned in Thailand but it has been used as a protest tool since the beginning of the coup.

Silent reading of Orwell’s novel at a BTS station in Bangkok and the use of the numbers “1984” in anti-coup demonstrations has caused the Junta to become uneasy about its content. The film depicts a dystopian future where everyone is monitored and can be arrested for “thoughtcrimes”. Other symbols such as the three-finger salute from the Hunger Games franchise have also been used despite warnings from the Junta.

Chiang Mai City News

[Matej]

did u order the other two?

No, they told me these titles are sold out. Unaccessible.

[AYJAYDEE]

did u order the other two?

No, they told me these titles are sold out. Unaccessible.

they cant order more? why?

[Matej]

They did suppress a showing of the movie in Chiang Mai even though it is not banned per se. So it may be 'suggested' not to sell or be seen with it.

Police paid a visit to the gallery on Monday 9^th June and demanded the cancellation of the screening, following the Junta’s demands. It was explained to the owner that the film was of a political nature and was linked to anti-coup protests. Nineteen Eighty-Four has not yet being banned in Thailand but it has been used as a protest tool since the beginning of the coup.

Silent reading of Orwell’s novel at a BTS station in Bangkok and the use of the numbers “1984” in anti-coup demonstrations has caused the Junta to become uneasy about its content. The film depicts a dystopian future where everyone is monitored and can be arrested for “thoughtcrimes”. Other symbols such as the three-finger salute from the Hunger Games franchise have also been used despite warnings from the Junta.

Chiang Mai City News

There's a (public) list of prohibited literature or something like that? Restrictions/recommendation for vendros?

When the coup was announced I was in Europe ... What can I say? I was pretty naive back then.

I never have thought how deep the rabbit hole goes.

Thank you for answer.

M.

[h90]

Well...for all who are shocked...check what 10.000s of games, books, movies, music are banned in Europe and no one cares.

(I think it is complete wrong but the general population doesn't care).

[Rooo]

Post removed. This topic is turning into a political discussion.Any such further posts & topic will be closed.

[GuestHouse]

Arguably the most effective form of censorship is 'self censorship' an insidious creeping censorship that thrives on half information of what is and is not banned and fostered by self interest to keep one's head below the parapet.

B2S stating a book is banned, that probably is not banned is an example, spreading the rumour that a book is banned is another - but in general, self censorship you don't have to go far to find it.

[cooked]

There are a few books banned in Thailand, including one that we can't mention. I believe that the first edition of Thai civic law was banned, a long time ago. Do a Wikipedia on 'Thailand banned books'.

[chris2004]

Get a kindle reader/tablet and order it over the web. So much easier/cheaper and you can get any book instantly.

[teatree]

You can dowload a pdf and print it out.

[AYJAYDEE]

read it online

Edited August 31, 2014 by AYJAYDEE

[cooked]

I thought it was a boring book when I read it before 1984 and I still do.

[SDM0712]

Choosing my words carefully, as far as I understand several things are banned, such as the online version of several British Newspapers, the film version of that well known stage show starring the bald chap that was also in The Magnificent Seven (but had hair in that), also the follow up which has to be made in Malaysia.

I wonder if the movie named after the country that recently held the World Cup is available here ? I imagine not as it's dangerously close to the OP first choice.

SDM

[Ulysses G.]

Arguably the most effective form of censorship is 'self censorship' an insidious creeping censorship that thrives on half information of what is and is not banned and fostered by self interest to keep one's head below the parapet.

B2S stating a book is banned, that probably is not banned is an example, spreading the rumour that a book is banned is another - but in general, self censorship you don't have to go far to find it.

Some of the books that everyone thinks are banned are not, but the companies that import them, "voluntarily" choose not to do so. So I have been told by the authorities anyway.

[Ulysses G.]

Sea, climate ... maybe food, women?

All those reasons sound good to me, especially the last one.

[whiteman]

try another book shop maybe they will then have it

[h90]

I thought it was a boring book when I read it before 1984 and I still do.

I read it when I was drafted into the army and had to sit in some office close to the ministry as slave of 2 overweight female bureaucrats and some high military. With close by the secret service. Some real strange guys who had every week a different name and identification....but of course everyone knew them as they felt very important.....

With another low ranking officer who can't be promoted because of some reasons. But he drilled us all the time that everywhere on the country side are Russian spies who look like tourists and even our girlfriends if she asks how the day at the army was is most probably a Russian spy.

I thought reality is beating the book.....

[AYJAYDEE]

you can get thousands of books free here to download

https://archive.org/details/texts

or $0.99 on amazon kindle

Edited August 31, 2014 by AYJAYDEE

[Thanet]

Buy her a Kindle.

Ebooks are all easily available from Amazon, and using a Kindle is private - nobody can see what you are reading, and no risk she'll get arrested for reading 1984 in public either.

[tifino]

here's a link to the book:

http://issuu.com/scottjenson/docs/george_orwell_-_1984

at least you can now get to read it (sorry it is in English not Thai), unless you really want to buy and hold an actual 1984 novel, so that you can walk down the street and flaunt it in their faces?

I suppose that "Animal Farm' will be next...

Edited August 31, 2014 by tifino

[AYJAYDEE]

Buy her a Kindle.

Ebooks are all easily available from Amazon, and using a Kindle is private - nobody can see what you are reading, and no risk she'll get arrested for reading 1984 in public either.

and this one is only $0.99 on amazon kindle

[Briggsy]

Get the ISBN number and just order it.

Don't ask the staff too much or perhaps don't ask anything. Book shops are like anywhere here, banks, government offices, etc. Each branch will give you a completely different answer depending on their knowledge or lack of it, experience, willingness to help, mood, whim and ability to make up facts on the spur of the moment.

[Rooo]

Fair enough, I have deleted several posts again, I gave a warning, was not heeded.

CLOSED.