An American lecturer, arrested on charges of lèse majesté and violating the Computer Crime Act, was released on bail yesterday and his lawyers say that he will appeal the revocation of his visa.
Paul Chambers PhD, of Naresuan University in Phitsanuloke province, was arrested on Tuesday after reporting to police in response to arrest warrants on both charges.
A court initially denied him bail, on the grounds that he is a foreign national and the alleged offenses carry significant penalties.
During his detention, his lawyers were also informed that his visa had been revoked.
Chambers was later released after posting bail of Bt300,000, on the condition that he wear an electronic monitoring bracelet and does not leave the country without court permission.
His lawyers say Chambers was granted bail but remained in custody until late in the evening, while they negotiated with immigration authorities over his visa status.
“His legal team plans to appeal the visa revocation,” said the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights group.
The Third Army Region filed a complaint against Chambers earlier this year over an item posted online, for a podcast hosted by a think-tank website focusing on Southeast Asian politics.
Yesterday, police executed a search warrant at Chambers’ office at Naresuan University and confiscated his computer, mouse and keyboard. Police said the inspection of the items will take about five days.
Earlier US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the United States is alarmed by Thailand’s arrest of Chambers.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. The US Department of State takes its responsibility to assist US citizens abroad seriously,” Bruce added.
