Paul Chambers faces as much as 15 years in jail in a uncommon case of Thailand’s strict lese-majeste regulation utilized to a foreigner.
Paul Chambers, an American lecturer of political science at northern Thailand’s Naresuan College, has been arrested after being accused of insulting the monarchy, a criminal offense that carries as much as 15 years in jail.
The 58-year-old educational from Oklahoma, who was arrested on Tuesday and produced in courtroom in Phitsanulok province, was denied bail earlier than his trial on expenses underneath Thailand’s strict lese-majeste regulation and the Pc Crime Act, which regulates on-line speech.
His authorized crew is ready to attraction the choice on Wednesday. No trial date has been set.
Chambers, who holds a PhD from Northern Illinois College and has been instructing in Thailand for greater than 10 years, has researched the Thai army’s affect on politics. The military has staged 13 coups since 1932, together with one as not too long ago as 2014.
Students at Danger, a United States-based educational freedom group, instructed the fees might relate to feedback Chambers made throughout a 2024 webinar discussing army restructuring. The criticism was reportedly filed by Thailand’s Third Military Space, which oversees the northern area.
His spouse, Napisa Waitoolkiat – dean of social sciences at Naresuan College – denied the proof cited was his phrases. She instructed The Related Press information company that authorities used an outline from the Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, which hosted the occasion.
“It seems like they wished to discourage Paul from his analysis, which frequently covers the Thai army’s economics,” she stated.
Thai Attorneys for Human Rights, a authorized advocacy group, stated Chambers was refused bail because of the “severity of potential punishment”, his overseas nationality, and police objections.
US response
The US State Division stated it was “alarmed” by the arrest and pledged consular help. In a press release, it criticised Thailand’s use of lese-majeste regulation, urging authorities to “respect freedom of expression” and keep away from stifling dissent.
The regulation, referred to as “Article 112”, imposes harsh penalties for criticising the monarchy. As soon as a taboo topic, public debate has grown in recent times, notably amongst youth-led pro-democracy protests since 2020.
Thai Attorneys for Human Rights reviews greater than 270 individuals – principally activists – have been charged underneath the regulation since 2020. Critics argue it’s ceaselessly used to silence authorities opponents.
