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American Academic Charged Under Thailand's Lèse-Majesté Law

Paul Chambers, a lecturer in Thailand, denies charges of royal defamation as he remains in pre-trial detention awaiting a bail decision.

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn inspects a guard of honour during the "Trooping the Colour" parade by the Thai Royal Guards and oath-giving ceremony to mark his 72nd birthday celebrations at the Dusit Palace in Bangkok on December 3, 2024. The ceremony is the first "Trooping the Colour" and associated oath-giving in 16 years and the first of such ceremonies to be held during the reign of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn. (Photo by Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP) (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP via Getty Images)
American academic Paul Chambers, who has been denied bail and potentially faces years in jail on charges of insulting the monarchy.
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Overview

  • Paul Chambers, an American academic teaching in Thailand, has been charged with insulting the monarchy under the country's strict lèse-majesté law and the Computer Crimes Act.
  • The charges stem from a complaint filed by a regional military command, reportedly linked to an online post associated with an academic discussion.
  • Chambers denies the allegations, stating he did not post the content in question, and his lawyer has expressed confidence in his defense.
  • The U.S. Department of State has expressed concern over the case, emphasizing its implications for freedom of expression and academic independence.
  • This rare targeting of a foreign national under lèse-majesté laws has drawn international attention, with critics highlighting its broader impact on free speech and academic freedom in Thailand.