By Agboola Aluko, GLiDE NEWS | April 8, 2025
A n American scholar based in Thailand could face up to 15 years in prison after being charged under Thailand’s strict lese majeste laws, which criminalize criticism of the royal family.
Paul Chambers, a respected lecturer at Naresuan University’s Centre of ASEAN Community Studies, appeared in court on Tuesday after voluntarily turning himself in to authorities. Chambers is accused of insulting the monarchy and violating the Computer Crimes Act — a charge that stems from a blurb allegedly linked to a 2024 webinar about military reshuffles hosted by a regional think tank.
Chambers denies all charges and remains in custody after being denied bail. His legal team, supported by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, has submitted a renewed bail application.
Thailand’s lese majeste law is among the harshest in the world. Criticism of the king, queen, or heir apparent can result in up to 15 years in prison per offense. These laws have been used to prosecute hundreds of individuals in recent years, with sentences sometimes extending decades.
Chambers, whose work focuses on civil-military relations in Thailand, has been a visible figure in Southeast Asian academic circles, contributing to international discussions and media reports. His case has sparked fresh concerns about academic freedom and free expression in the kingdom.
“This is a dangerous precedent,” said one member of Chambers’ legal team. “It involves a prominent academic whose views have long contributed to scholarly debate and understanding of Thai politics.”
The United States government has expressed concern over Chambers’ detention and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting freedom of expression globally. “We continue to call on Thai authorities to respect human rights and their international obligations,” said a spokesperson from the U.S. State Department.
Thailand’s military and monarchy have wielded outsized power for decades, despite periodic democratic elections. The kingdom has undergone 13 successful military coups since 1932. In recent years, laws such as lese majeste, sedition, and cybercrime regulations have been criticized as tools to suppress dissent.
In 2023, Thailand shifted from military-backed governance to civilian leadership. However, rights groups say surveillance and prosecution of activists, academics, and critics continues. Since mass youth-led protests erupted in 2020 demanding democratic and monarchical reforms, at least 1,960 people have been charged for political participation — with over 270 prosecuted specifically for lese majeste.
“Paul has long been targeted by ultra-royalist groups,” said a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch. “From online harassment to attempts to expel him from his university, this is part of a broader crackdown on free thought in Thailand.”
One of the most high-profile lese majeste convictions came last year, when a Thai man received a record 50-year prison sentence. Activists say Chambers’ case could further damage Thailand’s international image and academic standing.
A bill proposing amnesty for individuals prosecuted in politically motivated cases is expected to be tabled in parliament this week. It remains unclear whether lese majeste charges will be covered by the proposed legislation.
Observers warn that continuing to weaponize such laws could stifle Thailand’s intellectual environment and deter international collaboration.
“This is about more than one academic,” said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political analyst. “This case could close off Thailand to global scholarship, weaken innovation, and entrench fear in the academic community.”
As Chambers awaits his next court appearance, pressure mounts on Thailand to confront its laws on royal defamation — and their chilling effect on free speech.
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