Paul Chambers, an American academic affiliated with Naresuan University in northern Thailand, was granted bail on April 10 after being arrested earlier in the week on charges related to lèse majesté and violating the Computer Crime Act. Chambers’ legal team has announced plans to appeal a separate decision revoking his visa.
The arrest occurred after Chambers voluntarily reported to authorities on April 9 in response to warrants issued under both laws. Initial bail was denied by the court due to the seriousness of the allegations and his status as a foreign national. Chambers’ visa was also revoked during his initial detention, according to his lawyers.
Following a Bt300,000 bail payment, Chambers was released under the condition that he wear an electronic monitoring bracelet and refrain from leaving the country without court approval. His legal team stated that he remained in custody into the evening of April 10 while negotiations continued with immigration officials over his visa status.
The charges stem from an online podcast episode hosted by a regional think-tank focusing on Southeast Asian politics. The complaint was filed by Thailand’s Third Army Region earlier this year. Police executed a search warrant at Chambers’ office at Naresuan University on April 10 and confiscated his computer and related devices. Authorities said it will take approximately five days to analyze the seized equipment.
In a press briefing earlier this week, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the United States was “alarmed” by Chambers’ arrest and confirmed that officials were monitoring the situation. She reiterated the department’s commitment to assisting American citizens abroad.
Chambers’ legal representation is being handled by the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights group. University and government officials, as well as law enforcement officers, were involved in the legal proceedings but were not named in official statements.
