For Paul Chambers ‘ next ask for his launch on medical basis, professionals.
A popular American scientific accused of defamation was asked for loan by the Phitsanulok Provincial Court on Tuesday, but the jury declined.
Paul Chambers, a teacher and special adviser on foreign interests at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, reported to police at the Muang city place to accept the command. Along with leaders from the US Consulate in Chiang Mai and a lawyer, his family Napisa Waitoolkiat, professor of the school’s Faculty of Social Sciences, and his family.
His attorney, Wannaphat Jenroumjit, claimed that the judge issued an arrest warrant on Monday next week, but that no request had been issued prior to the subpoena.
His legal team promised to raise the funds guarantee and record a new bail request. They claimed that their customer has a health condition and would be glad to adhere to requirements set by the court, such as having a officer appointed and being required to make a statement to the jury.
The Third Army Region filed a grievance against Mr. Chambers. He is accused of violating the Computer Crime Act in addition to a demand brought by him under Part 112 of the Criminal Code and the Lese-majeste Act. The two fees generally combine.
Lese-majeste is guilty of three to fifteen years in prison.
According to Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate, the attorney in charge of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights ( TLHR ) and a member of Mr. Chambers ‘ legal team,” He was accused of publishing a blurb on the ( Institute of Southeast Asian Studies ) website in connection with an ISEAS webinar in October 2024 about military reshuffles.”
He denied any of the expenses. He did not publish the paragraph on the website, according to Mr. Akarachai, who spoke to CNN.
Mr. Chambers told CNN he had been told much about why he was charged and that he” could be imprisoned for 15 times” because he had been speaking ahead of Tuesday’s court appearance.
Mr. Chambers is well-known in scientific circles as a critic on politics and civil-military relations in Asia, with a particular emphasis on Thailand. He holds a PhD in social science from Northern Illinois University. He has resided in Thailand since 1993.
In addition to Khaki Capital: A Political Economy of the Military in Southeast Asia, Praetorian Kingdom: A Story of the Martial Ascension in Thailand, he has published two books.
Since the start of the Free Youth demonstrations in July 2020, 1, 962 individuals have been charged for social cooperation and appearance, according to TLHR data from TLHR to March 31 of this year. At least 278 are facing charges under Section 112, and 156 have been charged with sedition under Part 112. ( The story continues below )
After reporting to acknowledge a charge of royal defamation, academic Paul Chambers ( left ) makes preparations to appear in court for a hearing on Tuesday. He was ordered to be held in custody and denied loan. ( Photo: Chinnawat Singha )
Concern for students ‘ freedom of study
Proponents claim that Mr. Chambers ‘ allegations threaten intellectual freedom in Thailand.
This situation involves an exceptionally well-established intellectual whose work concentrates very heavily on the civil-military relationships in Thailand and whose knowledge is widely recognized within the scientific community, Mr. Akarachai told CNN.
The US Department of State stated on Monday that it was concerned about the information of the scholar’s imprisonment and that it was offering diplomatic support.
According to Sunai Phasuk, top Thailand scholar for Human Rights Watch, the allegations against Mr. Chambers represent a “tightening stranglehold on free speech and intellectual freedom in Thailand.
Ultra-royalist groups have launched numerous attacks against Paul for years, including ones calling for the authorities to revoke his card and have him leave the university, according to Mr. Sunai, who cited him as a major objective.
Some foreigners have been charged with lese-majeste. After posting a link to a publication he was involved in interpreting, which had been banned in Thailand, American Joe Gordon, who was born in Thailand, was given a two and a half year prison sentence. Following a royal pardon, he was afterwards freed.
According to Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scholar from Chulalongkorn University and a frequent contributor to the Bangkok Post, the Chambers case’s high profile might have a negative impact on the defense and have wider implications for Thai culture.
The Thai army will pay a high price because it will receive the kind of foreign scrutiny and attention the army wants to avoid, he told CNN.
This case “tightens the cover on intellectual freedom,” warns the author, and it will “undermine the academic and research ecosystem needed to foster ideas and innovation to accelerate the Thai economy ahead.