In a rare application of Thailand’s stringent lèse majesté law against a foreign national, an arrest warrant has been issued for American academic Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok. The charges stem from allegations of insulting the monarchy, an offense that carries severe penalties under Thai law.
Details of the Allegations
The Thai army filed a criminal complaint against Chambers, accusing him of violating the lèse majesté law and the Computer Crime Act. These charges are reportedly linked to comments Chambers made during an online webinar in October 2024, where he discussed the influence of the military in Thai politics. The Phitsanulok Provincial Court approved the arrest warrant on March 31, 2025.
Chambers’ Response and Legal Proceedings
Chambers has expressed uncertainty regarding the specifics of the charges but believes they pertain to his participation in the aforementioned webinar. He is scheduled to report to the Phitsanulok police on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, to formally hear the charges and intends to seek bail. Chambers has stated, “I’m basically in limbo because I can’t go anywhere. I’m not supposed to. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m kind of nervous.”
Context of Thailand’s Lèse Majesté Law
Thailand’s lèse majesté law, one of the strictest globally, mandates imprisonment of up to 15 years for anyone convicted of defaming, insulting, or threatening the king, queen, heir apparent, or regent. While the law has been predominantly applied to Thai nationals, its use against foreigners, though uncommon, is not unprecedented. Notably, in 2009, Australian writer Harry Nicolaides was sentenced to three years in prison for defaming the monarchy in a self-published novel.
Implications for Academic Freedom
The charges against Chambers have sparked concerns regarding academic freedom and the broader implications for international scholars working in Thailand. Phil Robertson, director of Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates, described the move as “an astonishing and outrageous assault on academic freedom that will have a serious chilling effect on international studies in Thailand.”
Conclusion
The case of Paul Chambers underscores the complexities and risks associated with Thailand’s lèse majesté law, particularly for foreign academics engaging in discourse on sensitive topics. As the situation develops, it will be closely monitored by international human rights organizations and academic institutions worldwide.
