“What Sam Yan Press shows us is not only the will of university students to fight for democracy but also a revival of activism through intellectual battles in Thailand.”
— New Mandala
Then Came the History
Sam Yan Press was born out of a struggle for academic freedom and democracy. In 2017, Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, an undergraduate student, was ousted from his position as President of the Student Council at Chulalongkorn University. His removal was a direct result of his peaceful protest—walking out of a university ceremony to challenge its authoritarian traditions. Faced with institutional suppression, he turned to an alternative and powerful form of activism: publishing. Writing and translating books became a way to engage with society, fostering critical thought and inspiring change.
From this vision, Sam Yan Press was established—a publishing house dedicated to providing a platform for students, activists, and intellectuals to present their ideas, translate pivotal works, and conduct research that benefits both communities and intellectual pursuits.
What Does “Sam Yan” Mean?
The name “Sam Yan” reflects both a physical and philosophical connection. Sam Yan is the historic community surrounding Chulalongkorn University, a vibrant area now under threat of gentrification. The name signifies a commitment to preserving this community and resisting the forces that seek to erase its cultural identity. Sam Yan existed long before the university and deserves recognition, as highlighted in our documentary, The Last Breath of Sam Yan.
The meaning of Sam Yan—”three corners”—also aligns with our philosophy. Inspired by Alexander Herzen’s words, “Real truths come only in three dimensions, all of which are essential”, we embrace diverse perspectives and complex realities in our pursuit of knowledge and justice.
Our First Book: International Thinking
From the outset, Sam Yan Press has been founded on the principles of international solidarity, youth cooperation, justice, nonviolence, and democracy. Our first publication, Time is on Our Side: A Birthday Book for Joshua Wong, featured translations of essays by Martin Luther King Jr. (Letter from Birmingham Jail), Liu Xiaobo (Tiananmen Square: The Hunger Strike Declaration, June 2, 1989), and an interview with Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong. This book set the tone for our commitment to global movements for freedom and democracy.
Bringing Unavailable Ideas to Thailand
Many great thinkers have shaped global discourse, yet their works remained unavailable in Thai. Sam Yan Press took on the challenge of making these ideas accessible. We were the first to publish Two Concepts of Liberty by Isaiah Berlin in Thai, alongside On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder, Personal Responsibility Under Dictatorship by Hannah Arendt, Letter to Dr. Husak by Václav Havel, and Gene Sharp’s From Dictatorship to Democracy.
We are also proud to have pioneered the translation of Animal Liberation Now by Peter Singer, bringing the discussion of animal rights into Thai society and universities nationwide. Furthermore, we have introduced Thai readers to critical works on China’s dissidents and Uyghur persecution, including books by Liu Xiaobo, Ilham Tohti, and Ian Johnson’s Spark, ensuring that Thailand remains informed about resistance to authoritarian regimes. At Sam Yan Press, we uphold the principle of the “marketplace of ideas”—fostering intellectual diversity and free thought by translating and discussing books across various philosophical strands.
Our Original Works
Beyond translations, we empower students to document stories of resilience. Our Commoners’ Voices series amplifies unheard narratives, such as Beloved… Auntie Tiew, a biography of a janitor at Chulalongkorn’s political science faculty, and an upcoming biography of P’ Non, the caretaker of the Sam Yan shrine, who is leading the fight against its demolition.
What We Advocate
Animal Rights
We challenge the mistreatment of animals in Thailand by launching awareness campaigns beyond religious merit-making narratives. We have published Why Vegan? by Peter Singer and, after 50 years, Animal Liberation Now in Thai.
AI Ethics
With the rise of AI, Thailand must engage in critical discussions on ethics and risks. We are committed to publishing works on this urgent issue.
Milk Tea Alliance & Chinese Dissidents
With totalitarianism on the rise, China exerts increasing influence over Thailand. To safeguard our freedoms, we translate critical works by Chinese dissidents, Uyghur intellectuals, and Hong Kong activists, such as Vigil: Hong Kong on the Brink by Prof. Jeffrey Wasserstrom and Taiwan is Not Chinese.
Inclusive Buddhism
Inspired by Martin Hägglund’s This Life and Stephen Batchelor’s After Buddhism, we believe Thai Buddhism must be renewed for a more open and vibrant future. We have also championed LGBTQ+ inclusion in Buddhist communities by translating Welcoming the Rainbow. We also support and publish ideas to support the full ordination of women in Sangha.
Education
We challenge authoritarianism in schools and universities, advocating for freedom of speech, expression, and assembly. We also publish books on the philosophy and future of education.
Feminism
Our Feminist Sam Yan branch amplifies women’s voices through books like Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit.
Refugee Rights
We support dissidents and refugees from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, striving for a more humane society.
Prison Reform
We advocate for criminal justice reform that prioritizes rehabilitation over incarceration.
The Case of the Chinese Businessman
In 2023, Sam Yan Press was approached by individuals claiming to represent a Chinese businessman. They offered us 4 million baht (over $100,000) to shut down our operations, denying any official ties to the Chinese government but seeking to “curry favor” with Beijing. When we ignored their emails, they returned with a second offer of 2 million baht for a “dissolution document.”
After consulting legal experts, we confronted the representatives, who admitted to the offers. We rejected them outright, standing by our mission. This story was later reported by VOA America and drew international attention. Our refusal underscores our commitment: we will not be silenced.
Our Theory of Change
Who is Talking About Sam Yan Press?
- Sam Yan Press Profile in New Mandala – Read here
- Coverage in Southeast Asia Globe – Read here
- Article by Prof. Jeffrey Wasserstrom in LARB – Read here
- Invitation to speak about the Press at Harvard Asia Center – Read here
- Collaboration with Prof. Marcus Rediker and David Lester – Read here
- Statement of support from the International Federation of Journalists – Read here
How You Can Help
Support our translations, research, and activist projects! Follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and consider sponsorship. Contact us at contact@samyanpress.org.