The American scientist was arrested in Thailand on charges of painting the monarchy. If he is convicted, he may face up to 15 years in prison. The man is not guilty.
Key facts
- American scientist Paul Chambers, working at one of the universities in Thailand, was arrested. He was accused of painting the monarchy.
- In Thailand, there is a strict law, under which you can get to prison for up to 15 years for the insult of the king.
- From 2020, the allegation of the painting of the monarchy was made in Thailand to 279 people, but they are rarely foreigners.
American scientist Paul Chambers appeared on Tuesday at the Police Station, where he was formally charged with the painting of the monarchy, as well as the charge of committing cyber criminals.
CNN reports that the man is a recognized researcher and lecturer at the Thai University of Naresuan, dealing with politics and military Thailand. He often appears in the media as an expert speaking about Southeast Asia.
A arrested scientist
The lawyer of the scientist Wannaphat Jenrooumjit said that last week an arrest warrant was issued after one of the regional military commanders against him. He explained that the allegations are related to last year's publication on the website of one of the institutes regarding reshuffles in the Thai army.
The scientist was accused of, among others “defamation, contempt or malice” royal family and dissemination of computer data in a way that can harm national security – writes the BBC. The scientist denies the allegations. The man was refused to marry bail and is currently in custody.
See also: It was supposed to be up to 30 days, stayed for 25 years. Deportation is being prepared
Strict law rarely affects foreigners
In Thailand, there is a strict law, providing for a penalty of three to 15 years in prison for defamation, insulting majesty or threats against the monarch. According to Article 112 of the Penal Code, a person who offends the queen or successor of the throne may also be sent to prison. Any citizen may submit a complaint in such a case.
According to the defenders human rights From 2020, the allegation of the paintings of the monarchy has been made in Thailand to 279 people, but there are rarely situations in which foreigners bear legal consequences under these provisions.
– In contrast to other matters regarding the paintings of the majesty, this case concerns an extremely recognized scientist, whose work focuses on civil -military relations in Thailand and whose specialist knowledge is widely recognized in the academic community – noted one of the lawyers of the man, Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate.
Department of State USA He said that he was concerned about the information about Chambers. – We regularly call the Thailand authorities, both privately and in public, to protect freedom of speech in accordance with the international obligations of Thailand – said the department spokesman.
According to experts, the Thai authorities often use the provisions on the image of the monarchy and cyber criminals to silence critics and the opposition.
See also: The 28-year-old was arrested for insulting the king. He is dead
Author/author: Pb // AZ
Source: Reuters, CNN, BBC
Source of the main photo: Shutterstock