A book changed the conversation about children in Sweden nearly 50 years ago. Now it is set to inspire families in Thailand, the Embassy of Sweden in Thailand reports.
On 18 February 2026, Per Linnér, Deputy Head of Mission from Sweden, met with Suchada Munkla, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Children and Youth under Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
The talks focused on strengthening cooperation between Thailand and Sweden on children’s rights.
At the centre of the meeting was the Thai edition of Never Violence!, based on a historic speech by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren – best known worldwide as the creator of Pippi Longstocking.
The publication is a book edition of her full speech, published to bring its message on non-violence and children’s rights to new generations.
Following Sweden’s lead
In 1978, Lindgren delivered the speech “Never Violence!” when receiving the German Book Trade Peace Prize. In it, she argued that violence against children must never be accepted – not in the home, not in schools, not anywhere.
The speech sparked intense debate in Sweden. A year later, Sweden became the first country in the world to ban corporal punishment.
Copies of the Thai edition were handed over during the meeting and will now be distributed through the Department’s nationwide networks. The book is intended as a tool for parents, teachers and communities to promote positive parenting and children’s wellbeing.
Thailand has also strengthened its legal protection of children in recent years, prohibiting both physical and mental violence.
The Ministry has been invited to attend the official launch of the Thai edition on 21 February 2026.
[…] is based on a famous speech by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren and aims to encourage families and communities to reflect on everyday parenting […]