U.S. expresses alarm over Thailand’s lese-majeste arrest of American academic

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday voiced serious concern over the arrest of American academic Paul Chambers in Thailand, where he faces charges of insulting the monarchy under the country’s strict lese-majeste law.

Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University in northern Thailand, turned himself in after police issued an arrest warrant last week. He is accused of violating Section 112 of the Thai penal code, which criminalises defamation or insult against the king, queen, heir, or regent — carrying a penalty of three to 15 years in prison.

He was also charged under Thailand’s Computer Crime Act, though details were not immediately released.

“This case reinforces our longstanding concerns about the use of lese majeste laws in Thailand,” the U.S. State Department said, adding it would monitor the case closely and advocate for Chambers’ fair treatment. “We continue to urge Thai authorities to respect freedom of expression and ensure laws are not used to stifle permitted expression.”

A lawyer for Chambers denied all charges and said the case stemmed from promotional material for an academic seminar held last year, where Chambers was listed as a speaker. The blurb, published by an overseas research institute, allegedly triggered a complaint from the Thai army.

Prosecutions under the lese-majeste law have surged in recent years, with critics warning the statute is used to suppress dissent and academic freedom. Royalists defend it as vital to national unity.

Thailand, a U.S. treaty ally, has drawn international criticism for its application of the law, particularly in cases involving political expression or academic discourse.

Copied