Paul Chambers awaits trial on charges under Thailand’s lese-majeste laws, which carry a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Paul Chambers, an American lecturer at Thailand’s Naresuan University who was arrested for allegedly violating Thailand’s strict royal defamation laws, has been released on bail, according to his lawyers.
The 58-year-old academic, who has over a decade of teaching experience in Thailand, posted bail of 300,000 baht ($8,800) for his release, his lawyers announced on Thursday. This followed his detention in Phitsanulok province two days earlier for an alleged violation of Thailand’s lese-majeste laws. No trial date has yet been set.
This case is a rare instance of a foreigner facing charges under Thailand’s strict, decades-old laws that protect the royal family, headed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, from any criticism. Critics argue that these laws, which can lead to up to 15 years in prison, are being used to silence dissent.
Chambers remained in custody until late Wednesday evening while his lawyers negotiated with immigration authorities regarding his visa status.
“His legal team plans to appeal the visa revocation,” stated the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights group, which is representing Chambers, in a post on X early Thursday.
Wannaphat Jenroumjit, a lawyer from the group, said they expect to hear the result of Chambers’ appeal by Friday.
An immigration officer, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media, told Reuters that Chambers will not be deported until the court process is complete.
Chambers was taken into custody on Tuesday after reporting to authorities to address a complaint filed by the Thai army. Subsequently, the immigration bureau revoked his visa.
The Thai military filed a complaint against him earlier this year over an online description for a podcast hosted by a think tank website focusing on Southeast Asian politics and published outside Thailand.
Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong, a researcher at Amnesty International who advocates for the release of political prisoners, described the visa revocation as an act of “intimidation.”
“The visa revocation is meant to send a message to foreign journalists and academics working in Thailand that speaking about the monarchy could lead to consequences,” he told AFP.
In the United States, the State Department expressed concern over the arrest, stating that it reinforced Washington’s long-standing worries about Thailand’s use of the lese-majeste law. It urged Thai authorities to “respect freedom of expression and ensure that laws are not used to stifle permitted expression.”
International watchdogs have also voiced alarm over the use of these laws – known as Article 112 – against academics, activists, and even students.
Last year, a man in northern Thailand was sentenced to at least 50 years in prison for lese-majeste, while a woman received a 43-year sentence in 2021.
In 2023, a man was jailed for two years for selling satirical calendars featuring rubber ducks, which a court ruled defamed the king.
Efforts to reform these laws have been made, but a Thai court ruled that such attempts violate the country’s constitution.
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