“American Educator Freed from Thai Prison Following Arrest”
A U.S. academic working in Thailand, who was detained on charges of offending the monarchy – a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison – has been released on bail. However, his visa has been revoked, signaling a possible deportation in the near future. The appeals court granted Paul Chambers’ bail release after it was initially denied by a lower court on Tuesday, according to the advocacy group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.
Despite being granted bail, Chambers faces potential deportation back to the United States after his visa was revoked by immigration authorities on Wednesday. He has the option to appeal the visa revocation within 48 hours, as stated by police Maj. Gen. Sarawut Khonyai.
Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok province, was first detained on Tuesday based on a complaint by the Thai military accusing him of disrespecting the monarchy, a violation known as “112” in the legal code. The U.S. State Department expressed concern over his arrest, emphasizing the importance of upholding freedom of expression and ensuring that laws are not misused to suppress legitimate speech.
A native of Oklahoma, Chambers holds a Ph.D. in political science from Northern Illinois University and has focused his research on the Thai military, which has instigated multiple coups since Thailand transitioned to a constitutional monarchy in 1932, with the most recent coup occurring 11 years ago. The charges against him stem from his participation in a webinar last October, organized by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. Supporters of Chambers assert that the allegations in the charge sheet are unfounded. In addition to the monarchy-related charge, he is also accused of violating the Computer Crime Act pertaining to online activities.
Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate from the Thai lawyers’ group disclosed that Chambers’ visa revocation was based on an immigration regulation barring entry to foreigners deemed likely to engage in activities contrary to public order or morals, including elements such as prostitution, human trafficking, and drug offenses. Thailand’s laws stipulate severe penalties, ranging from 3 to 15 years in prison, for defamation, insults, or threats against the king, queen, heir apparent, or regent. Critics have highlighted the law’s stringent nature and its utilization to target government and military dissenters.
According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, over 270 individuals, including many student activists, have been charged under this law since early 2020.
