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2w ago

American Scholar Detained in Thailand Over Royal Insult Allegations

Paul Chambers, a U.S. academic, faces lese majeste and cybercrime charges stemming from an alleged online post and has been denied bail in Phitsanulok.

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The seal of the United States Department of State is seen in Washington, U.S., January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File Photo
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)
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Overview

  • Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University, was charged with insulting the Thai monarchy and violating the Computer Crimes Act.
  • The charges relate to an October 2024 webinar blurb published on a research institute's website, which Chambers denies writing or publishing.
  • The Thai military filed the complaint, citing alleged defamation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn in the webinar description.
  • Chambers has been placed in pretrial detention after the Phitsanulok Provincial Court denied his bail request, citing the severity of the charges and his status as a foreigner.
  • The U.S. government has expressed concern over the case, providing consular assistance and reiterating calls for protecting freedom of expression in Thailand.