American Academic Denied Bail Under Thailand’s Royal Defamation Law

American scholar Dr Paul Chambers, known for his research on Thai military-civilian relations, has been denied bail after being charged under Thailand’s strict lese majeste law (Section 112) and the Computer Crime Act. Arrested following a complaint by the Third Army Region, he is accused of defaming the monarchy and spreading false information harmful to national security. The arrest, made without a prior subpoena, has drawn criticism from rights groups and politicians who view it as an attack on academic freedom and freedom of expression in Thailand.

I love Thailand

Good for him: he's now able to study Thailand from within & free accommodation and meal. 

I note that this case is getting some "unwanted" international coverage, especially in the USA where Thailand is already not the flavour of the year.

"American scholar" ... that's a stretch.

 

Dependent on what he actually said ... dumb A$$.

 

edit: a bit moe info ... https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/american-is-arrested-in-thailand-on-charges-of-criticizing-royalty/

4 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

"American scholar" ... that's a stretch.

 

Dependent on what he actually said ... dumb A$$.

He is a university lecturer, well-known in his field, with published works. I would say he is a scholar.

 

He has been incarcerated awaiting trial for words written by a Singaporean university incorrectly attributed to him.

 

Perhaps you would like to

 

- discover what you are talking about

- review your comments

 

I did an edit, before your post.  If a scholar, then he should know not to 'share' false info.  Doesn't matter if he wrote or not, he shared it, supposedly.

 

He'll have his day in court.  Held without bail is a bit much, as simply taking his passport would have sufficed.  But then, it wouldn't have made the press, and an example must be made 

 

 

 

I know what I'm talking about, thank you.

 

I'm not an official 'scholar', but know to tread lightly with my opinions 

19 hours ago, Video News said:

American scholar Dr Paul Chambers, known for his research on Thai military-civilian relations

 

Why is he researching this? Does he have ties to the country? He must have known he was playing with fire and for what gain?

Response to Secretary of State Rubio's "visa threat".

 

 

 

 

28 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

I did an edit, before your post.  If a scholar, then he should know not to 'share' false info.  Doesn't matter if he wrote or not, he shared it, supposedly.

 

He'll have his day in court.  Held without bail is a bit much, as simply taking his passport would have sufficed.  But then, it wouldn't have made the press, and an example must be made 

 

Dumb A$$

 

I know what I'm talking about, thank you.

 

I'm not an official 'scholar', but know to tread lightly with my opinions 

But you felt the need to add some funny emoticons to your brilliant self justification.

 

Reveals that you haven't managed to fully convince yourself.

 

1 minute ago, Ben Zioner said:

But you felt the need to add some funny emoticons to your brilliant self justification.

 

Reveals that you haven't managed to fully convince yourself.

 

I'm convinced I know what I'm thinking, you're just guessing.  

 

A favorite AN member past time, reading into other's posts what 'you' think, not what the poster thinks.

 

I'm a big fan of 'freedom of speech, expression & press', so should give you some clue.  Apparently not.

he's certainly in for a rough time I'd say .... and I'll bet london to a brick on he'll be found guilty and be given a lengthy prison term because Thailand need a US bargaining chip at their disposal.  

15 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

I'm convinced I know what I'm thinking, you're just guessing.  

 

A favorite AN member past time, reading into other's posts what 'you' think, not what the poster thinks.

 

I'm a big fan of 'freedom of speech, expression & press', so should give you some clue.  Apparently not.

Good.

23 hours ago, Briggsy said:

He is a university lecturer, well-known in his field, with published works. I would say he is a scholar.

 

He has been incarcerated awaiting trial for words written by a Singaporean university incorrectly attributed to him.

 

Perhaps you would like to

 

- discover what you are talking about

- review your comments

 

Agreed Biggsy ... and ISEAS Singapore have admitted their mistake, but this is Thailand.

 

Unfortunately, there appears to have been an upturn in of un/mis-imformed posts here ... one just has to look at the various Thai tax fora on AN.  Regretfully, the Trump Virus has spread to AN.

23 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

Why is he researching this? Does he have ties to the country? He must have known he was playing with fire and for what gain?

1) Many Thais and Thai scholars have been researching "this" topic for decades.

 

2) Dr Chambers has been in Thailand since 1993; his Thai wife is a Faculty Dean at his university.

 

3) Dr Chambers and similar scholars have been very careful in what they publicly communicate in order to avoid "conflict" with the authorities.