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US Raises Alarm Over Arrest of American Academic in Thailand
Arrest of Paul Chambers Under Lèse-Majesté Law
The U.S. State Department expressed serious concern on Tuesday over the arrest of American citizen and academic Paul Chambers in Thailand. Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University, was charged with insulting the monarchy, a rare instance of a foreign national facing prosecution under one of the world’s strictest lèse-majesté laws.
Charges Follow Army Complaint
According to Thai police, Chambers reported to a police station in Phitsanulok province after an arrest warrant was issued last week. The warrant followed a complaint filed by the Thai army, alleging that Chambers had violated Section 112 of Thailand’s penal code.
Section 112 criminalizes defamation, insults, or threats against the king, queen, heir apparent, or regent, with penalties ranging from three to fifteen years in prison.
Additional Computer Crime Charge
In addition to the lèse-majesté charge, Chambers was also accused of violating Thailand’s Computer Crime Act. Details of this charge have not been fully disclosed.
U.S. Government Response
The U.S. State Department issued a statement expressing its concern and commitment to monitoring the case:
“As a treaty ally of Thailand, we will closely monitor this issue and advocate for the fair treatment of Paul Chambers.”
The statement further highlighted broader concerns:
“This case reinforces our longstanding concerns about the use of lèse-majesté laws in Thailand. We continue to urge Thai authorities to respect freedom of expression and to ensure that laws are not used to stifle permitted expression.”
Historical Context of Lese-Majeste in Thailand
Thailand’s monarchy is deeply revered by many, and the lèse-majesté law has long been used to protect the royal family from criticism. Public discussion of the law is often taboo, and dozens of individuals have been imprisoned in recent years for perceived offenses.
Defense Denies Allegations
Chambers’ lawyer has denied the charges, stating that the accusations are linked to a promotional blurb for an academic seminar held last year. According to the lawyer, the blurb appeared on the website of a research institute based outside Thailand, and Chambers’ participation in the seminar was purely academic.
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