American Academic Faces Jail in Thailand for Insulting Monarchy
Paul Chambers, a US academic in Thailand, faces years in prison after being charged with lese majeste, a crime punishable by up to 15 years per offense. The charges stem from a complaint filed by a regional army command regarding a blurb on an ISEAS website, which Chambers denies writing or publishing. He is also charged under the Computer Crimes Act and is currently being held in custody after a bail request was denied. This case highlights the tightening restrictions on free speech and academic freedom in Thailand, drawing international concern and raising questions about the ongoing use of lese majeste as a political tool.
John Q. Hosedrinker