The U.S. State Department expressed concern on Tuesday regarding the arrest of an American academic in Thailand. The academic was detained on charges of criticizing the monarchy, a rare instance of a foreign citizen being held under Thailand's stringent lèse-majesté laws.
The arrested individual, Paul Chambers, is a lecturer specializing in civil-military relations in Southeast Asia at Naresuan University in northern Thailand. His legal representatives, the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, confirmed the charges against him, which include violations of the lèse-majesté laws and the Computer Crimes Act. Furthermore, immigration authorities revoked his visa, raising the possibility of his deportation.
The charges are linked to a short online description of a webinar held last October. Dr. Chambers was the featured speaker at the webinar, which focused on Thailand's military and police forces. According to his legal team, the text, which originally appeared on a Singapore-based research institute's website and has since been modified, stated that the Thai king had authority over changes in military leadership. The lawyers emphasized that Dr. Chambers did not author the text in question.
Following the webinar, a unit within the Royal Thai Armed Forces, responsible for internal security, requested additional information from Naresuan University regarding the webinar and Dr. Chambers, as stated by his legal representatives.
19 Comments
ZmeeLove
“The charges are valid. People should be held accountable for disparaging remarks about the monarchy.”
Muchacho
“If he didn’t want to get arrested, he should have kept his opinions to himself.”
Coccinella
“Diplomacy shouldn't protect individuals who break local laws. He should respect Thai sovereignty!”
Katchuka
“Criticizing a monarchy should have consequences, especially when it’s done by a foreigner. He knew the risks!”
Loubianka
“Rather than protesting his arrest, maybe academics should understand local laws they operate under.”
Noir Black
“His supposed 'freedom of speech' doesn’t apply here. Thailand has its own legal framework.”
BuggaBoom
“Paul Chambers is just doing his job as an academic. We can’t let oppressive laws silence voices!”
KittyKat
“Criticism should be done responsibly, and he failed to do that. No sympathy here.”
Eugene Alta
“Why should the U.S. get involved? If you can't handle the rules of a country, don't live there!”
Katchuka
“Lèse-majesté laws are an infringement on basic human rights. This needs to change!”
Matzomaster
“This case shows the dangers of authoritarianism. We must support those who dare to speak the truth!”
Karamba
“This is an outrage! No one should be arrested for expressing their thoughts, especially academics!”
Leonardo
“Thailand's laws are draconian. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right that should be protected!”
Michelangelo
“The U.S. State Department’s concern is valid. We must stand up for those who are unjustly persecuted.”
Eugene Alta
“Academics should be able to discuss sensitive subjects without fear of repercussion. This is a human rights issue!”
Noir Black
“Arresting someone for a critical opinion undermines the educational mission. This is unacceptable!”
Eugene Alta
“The international community must pressure Thailand to uphold human rights and reconsider these laws.”
KittyKat
“Lèse-majesté laws exist for a reason! It’s about respect for a nation's culture and traditions.”
Noir Black
“Deporting him is a violation of his academic freedom. Thailand needs to respect the rights of all scholars!”