BANGKOK – The United States has called on Thai authorities to uphold freedom of expression following charges filed against a prominent American academic under Thailand’s draconian lese majeste law.
The US Embassy in Bangkok issued a statement on Tuesday, expressing concern over the legal proceedings against Paul Chambers, a political scientist at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok province. Chambers has been charged with defaming the monarchy under Article 112 of the Penal Code, as well as violating the Computer Crime Act.
“This case reinforces our longstanding concerns about the use of lèse majesté laws in Thailand. We continue to urge Thai authorities to respect freedom of expression and to ensure that laws are not used to stifle permitted expression,” the statement read.
The charges stem from a complaint filed by the Royal Thai Army’s Third Army Region, which accused Chambers of defaming or insulting the King, Queen, or royal heirs, and of importing false information into a computer system, posing a threat to national security or public order.
An arrest warrant was issued last Friday. Chambers turned himself in to Phitsanulok police on Tuesday but was denied bail and taken to court. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific activity that prompted the military’s complaint.
The US Embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with Thai officials to ensure Chambers receives fair treatment.US consular officers in Bangkok are providing support and have requested access to Chambers to check on his well-being and offer assistance, according to the statement.
Chambers is well known for his work on Thai politics, particularly the military’s role in governance and comparative politics. He has held visiting academic positions at institutions including Heidelberg University and the German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
He is the author of Democratisation Interrupted: The Parallel State and the Demise of Democracy in Thailand and Khaki Capital: The Political Economy of the Military in Southeast Asia.
Asia News Network/The Nation
The US Embassy in Bangkok issued a statement on Tuesday, expressing concern over the legal proceedings against Paul Chambers, a political scientist at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok province. Chambers has been charged with defaming the monarchy under Article 112 of the Penal Code, as well as violating the Computer Crime Act.
“This case reinforces our longstanding concerns about the use of lèse majesté laws in Thailand. We continue to urge Thai authorities to respect freedom of expression and to ensure that laws are not used to stifle permitted expression,” the statement read.
The charges stem from a complaint filed by the Royal Thai Army’s Third Army Region, which accused Chambers of defaming or insulting the King, Queen, or royal heirs, and of importing false information into a computer system, posing a threat to national security or public order.
An arrest warrant was issued last Friday. Chambers turned himself in to Phitsanulok police on Tuesday but was denied bail and taken to court. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific activity that prompted the military’s complaint.
The US Embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with Thai officials to ensure Chambers receives fair treatment.US consular officers in Bangkok are providing support and have requested access to Chambers to check on his well-being and offer assistance, according to the statement.
Chambers is well known for his work on Thai politics, particularly the military’s role in governance and comparative politics. He has held visiting academic positions at institutions including Heidelberg University and the German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
He is the author of Democratisation Interrupted: The Parallel State and the Demise of Democracy in Thailand and Khaki Capital: The Political Economy of the Military in Southeast Asia.
Asia News Network/The Nation
