Academic Arrest Sparks Outcry: U.S. Scholar Detained in Thailand Over Monarchy Comments

 

An American academic, Dr. Paul Chambers, has been taken into custody in Thailand on charges of insulting the monarchy, a move that has raised serious concerns in Washington and among human rights groups.

Dr. Chambers, a renowned Thai studies scholar and lecturer at Naresuan University, turned himself in at Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station on Tuesday morning, following a court-issued warrant. He now faces pre-trial detention under Thailand’s strict lese-majeste law—Section 112 of the Criminal Code—which imposes severe penalties of three to 15 years in prison for defaming the royal family. Additionally, he is charged under the Computer Crime Act.

The arrest followed an October 11 English-language post on the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute website, which introduced an academic webinar on Thai military affairs. According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, the post—allegedly not authored by Chambers—was part of an event description. Chambers denies any connection with the content or the website and has consistently rejected the allegations.

A group of human rights lawyers, along with representatives from the U.S. Embassy and colleagues from his university, were present during his surrender. Despite these efforts, the court has denied him bail, citing potential flight risk and the severity of the charges.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce expressed alarm at the arrest, stating, "The United States is alarmed by the arrest of U.S. citizen Paul Chambers in Thailand on lese-majeste charges." Bruce confirmed that the State Department is in active communication with Thai authorities, emphasizing the need to protect academic freedom and free speech.

Human Rights Watch and other international observers have long criticized Thailand’s lese-majeste laws for their heavy-handed use against critics and activists. Elaine Pearson, Asia director at HRW, condemned the prosecution, warning that it poses a significant threat to academic freedom and stifles open political expression.

Thailand’s controversial laws, which have led to the detention of over 270 individuals since 2020, remain a focal point of global criticism. United Nations experts have described such detentions as "arbitrary," noting that the laws suppress legitimate political discourse and infringe on freedom of expression.

As this case unfolds, the international community and U.S. officials are closely monitoring the situation, urging Thai authorities to ensure that freedom of expression is upheld and that the law is not misused to silence dissent.