Paul M. Handley

About the Author

Paul M. Handley is a seasoned journalist and author renowned for his incisive explorations of Southeast Asian politics and history. With decades of experience reporting from the region for outlets like the Far Eastern Economic Review, Handley brings a sharp analytical eye to the complexities of power and monarchy in modern Asia. His seminal work, The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej, offers a groundbreaking examination of the enigmatic reign of Thailand's longest-serving monarch, blending meticulous research with bold narrative to challenge official narratives and illuminate the interplay between tradition and authoritarianism. Handley's writing demystifies the opaque world of Thai royal politics, providing readers with profound insights into one of Asia's most enduring institutions. A native of the United States, he continues to contribute to global discourse on democracy and governance in emerging nations.