Diplomatic challenge: A file photo of Chambers (left) standing outside a police station in Phitsanulok, where he was arrested on charges of insulting the monarchy. The case could add to Thai-US tensions, as Bangkok seeks relief from Trump’s tariffs. — AP
An American scholar remains in Thailand after prosecutors dropped charges against him of insulting the monarchy, his family said, as his legal jeopardy continues in a case that has raised concern in the US government.
Paul Chambers, a lecturer on political science, was arrested last month in a rare case of lese-majeste against a foreigner. He could face up to 15 years in jail, based on a complaint filed by the royalist army.
“He’s not allowed to leave the country, we are not sure exactly why,” his brother Kit Chambers said.
His family in the United States, including his 85-year-old mother, thought he would be coming home but he remains in legal limbo, his brother said.
Although the state prosecutor dropped its charges two weeks ago, police could still pursue the case, which includes a charge of computer crime.
Chambers, 58, has lost his work visa and job at Naresuan University, and his passport was seized. He denies the charges, has appealed against the revocation of his visa and confiscation of his passport and is contesting his dismissal.
The charges stemmed from a blurb for an online academic seminar at which he was a speaker, said a lawyer for Chambers. The blurb was posted last year on the website of a research institute based outside Thailand.
Thailand’s constitution enshrines the king in a position of “revered worship”, and royalists regard the palace as sacrosanct.
One of the world’s strictest lese-majeste laws forbids defaming, insulting or threatening King Maha Vajiralongkorn or his close family.
Chambers’ case could add to Thai-US tensions, as Bangkok seeks relief from President Donald Trump’s tariffs on its exports.
The case has attracted “very senior-level attention” from US officials, Kit said, declining to identify officials he had been in contact with.
“These senior officials assured me that if this issue is not resolved soon, it could not only impact trade talks with Thailand but it could also impact other aspects of the US-Thai relationship,” he said.
A spokesperson for the State Department declined to comment on the Chambers case’s impact on bilateral relations but said it was awaiting a decision by police to carry out the prosecutor’s recommendation and swiftly dismiss this case.
The department has said the “case reinforces our longstanding concerns about the use of lese-majeste laws in Thailand”. — Reuters
