American Academic Faces Jail in Thailand Over Royal Insult Allegations

Paul Chambers, a respected American academic and lecturer at Naresuan University in Thailand, has been formally charged under the kingdom’s strict lese majeste laws and the Computer Crimes Act. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

Chambers, known for his analysis of Thailand’s military and politics, appeared in court Tuesday after turning himself in to police. He was denied bail and remains in custody as his legal team seeks his release. 

The charges stem from a short write-up posted on the website of Singapore’s ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute ahead of a 2024 webinar on Thai military reshuffles. Chambers denies writing or publishing the blurb.

A regional army command filed the initial complaint, prompting a warrant for his arrest last week.

Thailand’s lese majeste law, one of the harshest in the world, criminalizes criticism of the monarchy with penalties of up to 15 years per offense. It has been widely used in recent years to stifle dissent.

“This case is a grave threat to academic freedom,” said Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, part of Chambers’ defense team.

The U.S. State Department has expressed concern, urging Thai authorities to uphold freedom of expression in line with international standards.

Chambers, a frequent contributor to international media outlets including CNN, said he fears imprisonment and has been given little information about the case against him. 

Critics argue that laws like lese majeste and sedition have long been tools for Thailand’s military-backed establishment to silence opposition. Since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, the military has staged 13 successful coups, including the 2014 takeover that led to nearly a decade of military-aligned rule.