Particle.news
Download on the App Store
20 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

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.

Image
Image
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.