US voices concern over arrest of American lecturer in Thailand

The United States is alarmed by Thailand’s arrest of American lecturer Paul Chambers PhD for allegedly violating the country’s lèse majesté and the computer crime laws, according to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

“We are closely monitoring the situation. The US Department of State takes its responsibility to assist US citizens abroad seriously,” Bruce added.

Yesterday, a court in Phitsanuloke province denied bail for Chambers, a law lecturer in the Social Sciences faculty at Naresuan University, who was arrested after responding to an arrest warrant, issued in response to a complaint filed by the Third Army Region.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), who are providing legal support to Chambers, wrote on its website that the lecturer is accused of posting statements on the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute’s website on October 11 last year which could be viewed as lèse majesté.

Chambers denied the charges, saying he did not post the offending item, was not an administrator and had no involvement with the website, adding that he is aware of the website but does not personally know its administrators.

The court rejected his bail application, on the grounds that he is a foreign national and that the alleged offense carries significant penalties, according to TLHR.

Bruce said the case reinforces the United States’ longstanding concerns about the use of lèse majesté laws in Thailand, adding “We continue to urge Thai authorities to respect freedom of expression and to ensure that laws are not used to stifle permitted expression. As a treaty ally of Thailand, we will continue to monitor this issue closely and advocate for the fair treatment of Paul Chambers.”

The US Embassy in Bangkok is providing all appropriate consular assistance to Chambers and has requested access to him, to ensure his well-being and to provide any necessary support.