Thailand: American Professor Charged with Defaming Monarchy
An American academic residing in Thailand is facing charges of royal defamation, also known as lèse-majesté, and computer crimes following an online lecture delivered last October. Paul Chambers, a lecturer and special advisor on international affairs at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, is due to report to the police in Phitsanulok on April 8th to formally acknowledge the complaint lodged against him by the Third Army Region. This development has raised concerns about academic freedom and the increasing use of lèse-majesté laws in Thailand, as reported by the Bangkok Post [https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2995732/american-academic-faces-royal-insult-charge].
Mr. Chambers, a respected commentator on civil-military relations and democracy in Southeast Asia, has lived in Thailand since 1993. His lecture, which focused on a recent military reshuffle, reportedly included a question-and-answer session where a response he gave was deemed insulting to the monarchy. While Mr. Chambers maintains his comments did not violate any laws, the complaint alleges he violated Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lèse-majesté law, which carries a potential prison sentence of between three and fifteen years. He also faces a computer crime charge, often used in conjunction with lèse-majesté accusations.
Following the lecture, a Thai-language newspaper published an article calling for Mr. Chambers' dismissal from the university, and a Thai security official sent a letter to Naresuan University inquiring about his role and salary. Mr. Chambers expressed bewilderment at the scale of the reaction to his comments.
“It’s so small and mundane,” he told Bloomberg News in a telephone interview. “I think the real story is why would they go through all that effort and then arrest me?”
While admitting to feeling intimidated, Mr. Chambers stated he is receiving support from both the U. S. embassy and his colleagues at the university. The 58-year-old academic holds a PhD in political science from Northern Illinois University and is the author of several books, including Khaki Capital: The Political Economy of the Military in Southeast Asia and Praetorian Kingdom: A History of Military Ascendancy in Thailand.
This case unfolds against a backdrop of increasing use of the lèse-majesté law in Thailand, particularly since the 2020 student protests, which challenged the law and other long-held taboos. Data compiled by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights indicates that 278 people have been charged under Section 112 since mid-2020. Human rights organizations have expressed alarm over this trend, arguing that the law is being used to stifle dissent and suppress freedom of expression. Phil Robertson, director of Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates, described the complaint against Mr. Chambers as “an astonishing and outrageous assault on academic freedom”.
What exactly is lèse-majesté? Lèse-majesté laws, like the one in Thailand, criminalize speech or actions deemed insulting or defamatory to the monarch or the royal family. These laws exist in several countries worldwide, but Thailand’s version is considered one of the strictest.
Why is this case significant? This case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of speech and academic freedom in Thailand. It also draws attention to the increasing use of lèse-majesté charges, potentially chilling open discussion and research on sensitive political topics.
What might happen next? Mr. Chambers is expected to report to the police. Depending on the investigation, he may be formally charged and face trial. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by academics, human rights organizations, and international observers concerned about the implications for freedom of speech in Thailand. The situation underscores the complexities of navigating academic discourse within the context of Thailand’s legal and political landscape and raises questions about the future of academic freedom in the country.
