Oklahoma native cleared of charges in Thailand royal defamation case

An Oklahoma native and political science lecturer will not face prosecution in Thailand after being arrested earlier this year under one of the world’s strictest royal defamation laws, his lawyer confirmed Thursday.

Paul Chambers, 58, was arrested in early April while teaching at Naresuan University in northern Thailand. He faced charges under the country’s harsh lese majeste law, which punishes anyone who defames or insults the monarchy with up to 15 years in prison per offense. Thailand’s attorney general cited a lack of evidence in the decision to drop the case.

Chambers, who has long studied Thai military and political power, has since left the country, according to his attorney, Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate, though his destination has not been made public.

The case, which drew concern from academic circles and free speech advocates across the globe, including within the United States, centered around a webinar description translated from a Singapore think tank’s website. Thai police alleged Chambers defamed the monarchy by participating in the discussion, though supporters pointed out he did not write the promotional material cited as evidence.

The attorney general first declined to prosecute on May 1, but allowed local police to challenge the ruling. After further review, the office reaffirmed its decision not to pursue charges.

While Chambers is no longer facing criminal prosecution, two issues remain unresolved: his firing by the university and the revocation of his visa. Both are currently under appeal.

Chambers' legal ordeal underscores the risks international scholars can face under Thailand’s sweeping defamation laws. His supporters say the case sets a troubling precedent for academic freedom and freedom of expression, particularly for those researching sensitive topics like military influence and monarchy.

Thailand’s lese majeste law has been widely criticized by human rights organizations and scholars, who argue it is often used to silence dissent and target critics of the government and military. The Thai monarchy, considered untouchable by many conservative institutions in the country, remains a deeply entrenched force in national politics.

Chambers, who has ties to Oklahoma and an academic background rooted in Southeast Asian studies, has not yet publicly commented on his release or future plans.