The lèse-majesté charge against an American lecturer at a Phitsanuloke university has attracted political attention, with the House Committee on the Military now seeking an explanation from the army.
Paul Chambers PhD was arrested earlier this month, after surrendering to face charges of allegedly violating the country’s lèse-majesté and computer crime laws.
The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 3 filed complaints against Chambers in a Phitsanuloke court, alleging that he committed the offenses on a website. Chambers has denied the charges.
Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, chairperson of the House committee, said that army spokesman, Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, will be invited to provide information about the charges to the committee on May 8th.
Phitsanuloke police investigator, Pol Col Pornchai Plangklang, and representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok will also be invited.
Chambers' case gained attention when the U.S. Department of State issued a statement, saying it was alarmed by Thailand’s arrest of Chambers. The department’s spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, "We are closely monitoring the situation," adding that the department takes its responsibility to assist US citizens abroad seriously.
Chambers was initially denied bail, but it was later granted on the condition that he wears electronic monitoring device and does not leave Thailand.
The court yesterday denied Chambers' request to remove his EM device, stating there was no reason to change the order.
The case has recently been linked to Thailand’s desperate bid to negotiate with the US over new tariff. It is claimed that the U.S. may weigh the Chambers case in the negotiations.
When asked to comment on any linkage, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who claims to have close ties with US President Donald Trump, said it was possible.
Today, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai claimed that the US would not link the Chambers’ case to the negotiations, believing the matters are unrelated, while adding, “We are now negotiating with the US on the tariff matter, while the legal action against Chambers is proceeding cautiously and according to our laws.”
Maj Gen Winthai said, in a press briefing on April 28th, that the Army sought legal action against Chambers after receiving complaints from citizens.
He also dismissed claims that ISOC has no authority to initiate legal action against Chambers.
Profile: Paul Chambers: Meet the US expert on Thailand targeted by lese majeste charge
