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4w ago

US Academic Detained in Thailand on Royal Defamation Charges

Paul Chambers, a political science scholar, faces pretrial detention and visa revocation under strict lese majeste laws, drawing international concern over academic freedom and free speech.

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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)

Overview

  • Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University, has been charged under Thailand's lese majeste law and the Computer Crime Act, facing up to 15 years in prison per offense.
  • The charges stem from a disputed online post related to a 2024 academic webinar on military reshuffles, which Chambers denies authoring or publishing.
  • Chambers was denied bail by the Phitsanulok Provincial Court, citing the severity of potential penalties and his foreign nationality as reasons for detention.
  • Thai immigration authorities revoked Chambers' visa, further limiting his ability to remain in the country and continue his academic work.
  • The US government and international rights groups have expressed alarm, urging Thai authorities to respect freedom of expression and ensure fair treatment in the case.