Prominent US Academic Detained on Thai Royal Insult Charge

Tuesday 08 April 2025 - 10:37

By: Zahouani Ilham

Prominent US Academic Detained on Thai Royal Insult Charge

A distinguished academic from the United States, Paul Chambers, is currently in pre-trial detention in Thailand after being charged with insulting the Thai monarchy. Chambers, who has taught Southeast Asian politics in Thailand for over a decade, denies the accusation, according to his lawyer, Wannaphat Jenroumjit. He is awaiting a decision on his bail application.

The charge stems from an article that Chambers wrote, which was linked to an online discussion. The Thai military filed a complaint against him earlier this year, leading to the formal charge. The lese-majeste law, which protects the Thai monarchy from criticism, imposes penalties of up to 15 years in prison for each offense.

Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University in northern Thailand, was informed of the charge last week and was asked to report to a police station in Phitsanulok province to respond formally. His lawyer emphasized that the defendant denies the charge, expressing confidence that the legal process will safeguard him.

Chambers, while feeling "intimidated" by the situation, has received support from the US embassy and his colleagues. Over recent years, charges under Thailand's lese-majeste law have sharply increased, drawing criticism for being used to suppress dissent.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) noted that it is unusual for a foreign national to face such charges. Human rights organizations have raised concerns over the growing use of the law against academics, activists, and students.

In the past, the law has led to severe sentences. A man was sentenced to over 50 years for lese-majeste last year, and a woman received 43 years in 2021. In 2023, a man was jailed for two years for selling satirical calendars that featured rubber ducks, which a court deemed insulting to the king.