Google's got a surprise for users across Asia and New Zealand today, bringing Play Books availability to nine new places: Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

The company that claims the world's largest selection of online books has been slowly but surely making headway in spreading its Play products across the planet. Of course, it would be great if Google could simply flip a switch to bring Play to all Android users everywhere, but legal issues and other roadblocks mean it still takes some time to expand. Still, Google appears to be keeping pace, having just brought Play Books to nine European countries in July.

If you're in one of the places listed above, go get some books! Otherwise, keep tabs on Google's Play Books movements at the link below.

Google Play International Availability