A Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for Paul Chambers, an American lecturer at Naresuan University, due to allegations under the country’s lese-majeste and computer crime laws. The complaint, filed by the military, claims Chambers has committed "defamation, contempt or malice" against the royal family by disseminating false information that could undermine national security. If found guilty, he could face a prison sentence ranging from three to 15 years for each count of lese-majeste.
Thai Court Issues Arrest Warrant for US Professor Amid Controversial Lese-Majeste Law
Thai Court Issues Arrest Warrant for US Professor Amid Controversial Lese-Majeste Law
An American academic faces serious charges under Thailand's laws against insulting the monarchy, raising concerns over freedom of expression.
Despite the rarity of such prosecutions against foreigners under these laws, legal representatives confirmed the warrant issuance following a complaint that noted alleged damages to national security and public panic. Chambers, who has been living in Thailand for three decades, plans to report to the police with his lawyer, who has expressed uncertainty regarding the specific reasons behind the legal actions.
The lese-majeste law, which originated in Thailand's first criminal code in 1908, was notably intensified in 1976 as a means to protect the monarchy. Critics argue it serves to suppress free speech, particularly in the wake of recent student-led pro-democracy protests that began in 2020. Since then, over 300 cases have been recorded under this law, involving a wide range of individuals, including minors.
As discussions within the Thai Parliament regarding potential reforms to the law and amnesty provisions continue, human rights advocates emphasize the chilling effect on academic discourse. The European Parliament has previously urged Thailand to reevaluate its stringent laws regarding royal defamation and improve the conditions of those currently facing prosecution under them.
The lese-majeste law, which originated in Thailand's first criminal code in 1908, was notably intensified in 1976 as a means to protect the monarchy. Critics argue it serves to suppress free speech, particularly in the wake of recent student-led pro-democracy protests that began in 2020. Since then, over 300 cases have been recorded under this law, involving a wide range of individuals, including minors.
As discussions within the Thai Parliament regarding potential reforms to the law and amnesty provisions continue, human rights advocates emphasize the chilling effect on academic discourse. The European Parliament has previously urged Thailand to reevaluate its stringent laws regarding royal defamation and improve the conditions of those currently facing prosecution under them.
