BANGKOK: The state prosecutor of Thailand announced on Thursday (May 1) that they will not pursue charges against an American professor who was detained last month for allegedly insulting the royal family—a serious offense that can lead to 15 years in prison—and they have requested his release from court.
Paul Chambers, who teaches at Naresuan University in Thailand, was arrested following a complaint from the royalist military, which sparked significant backlash both domestically and from the US State Department, expressing concern over the incident.
In addition to the royal family insult accusations, Chambers faced charges under the computer crimes act but denied both allegations.
Thailand enforces one of the strictest lese majeste laws in the world, imposing severe penalties for anyone found guilty of defaming, insulting, or threatening King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his immediate family.
The Attorney General’s Office released a statement indicating its decision not to continue with the two sets of accusations against Chambers and has asked the court in Phitsanulok to free him. They also mentioned they would consult the police regarding this decision.
After his arrest, Chambers spent one day in pre-trial detention and was later required to wear an ankle monitor for weeks following his bail release. He also lost his Thai work visa and was instructed to stay in the country.
His attorney, Wannaphat Jenroumjit, explained that the charges originated from a summary posted on a website of a research institute abroad, related to an online academic seminar where Chambers was a speaker last year.
“The quick decision from the prosecutor is positive as it could help mitigate the significant damage to Paul,” Wannaphat told Reuters.
An appeal regarding the cancellation of Chambers’ visa has been submitted, but the immigration bureau has yet to make a ruling on the situation, according to Wannaphat.
