Brother fights to free US academic jailed in Thailand
A Dallas man is fighting to free his brother, a respected American academic in Thailand, after he was jailed on charges of insulting the monarchy—something his family insists he didn’t do.
Paul Chambers, an American scholar and college professor based in Thailand for over 30 years, was arrested last week after Thai military authorities served him with an arrest warrant.
The charges stem from accusations of insulting the country’s monarchy, an offence known as lese majeste, and violating Thailand’s Computer Crime Act. Chambers’ family maintains his innocence, claiming the charges are based on a misinterpretation of a document he didn’t write.
Chambers, originally from Oklahoma, has dedicated his career to studying civil-military relations in Southeast Asia.
His younger brother, Kit Chambers, and his attorney insist that the case revolves around a webinar he participated in back in October last year, which focused on the Thai military. The complaint specifically refers to a blurb in the event’s invitation, which the Chambers family asserts Paul did not write.
“We don’t know why this has happened. We just don’t,” said Kit, who remains in Dallas.
His brother, 58 year old Paul, turned himself in to the police the day after the arrest warrant was issued, but Kit has not heard from him in over 24 hours.
Chambers is facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted, a prospect Kit fears could be deadly, given the harsh conditions in Thai prisons. Despite efforts to post bail twice, these attempts were denied, and now the family is preparing for an appeal.
While Paul’s case is being handled by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Kit appealled to the US government for assistance.
The US State Department has expressed deep concern, with a spokesperson stating they are providing consular support and lobbying for the protection of freedom of expression in Thailand.
“The United States strongly supports freedom of expression around the world. We regularly urge Thai authorities to protect freedom of expression in accordance with Thailand’s international obligations.”
The case has sparked alarm, both in the US and internationally, with many concerned that Thailand’s lese majeste laws are being misused to stifle free speech. As the US embassy in Thailand continues to monitor the situation, they have vowed to advocate for fair treatment for Chambers, ensuring his well-being in prison while pushing for his release, reported NBC DFW.
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