Prosecutors drop Lese-Majeste charges against American academic

The case, originally filed by Col Mongkol Veerasiri with the Muang Phitsanulok Police Station, accused Chambers, an American citizen, of defaming, insulting, or expressing hostility toward the King, Queen, heir-apparent, or regent.

The Nation

The Nation

         

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OAG spokesperson says Region 6 prosecutors drop charges against Paul Chambers over lese-majeste and false computer data import. PHOTO: THE NATION

May 2, 2025

BANGKOK – Sakkasem Neesaiyok, Inspector of the Office of the Attorney General and spokesperson for the agency, announced on Thursday ( May 1) that Region 6 prosecutors have formally decided not to indict Paul Chambers in a high-profile case involving alleged violations of Thailand’s lese-majeste law under Article 112 of the Criminal Code.

The case, originally filed by Col Mongkol Veerasiri with the Muang Phitsanulok Police Station, accused Chambers, an American citizen, of defaming, insulting, or expressing hostility toward the King, Queen, heir-apparent, or regent.

The allegations also included importing false information into a computer system likely to affect national security or cause public panic—offenses under the Computer Crime Act 2007, Article 14(2) and 20.

According to Sakkasem, police investigators had recommended prosecution, with Chambers’ second remand set to expire on May 1, 2025.

However, due to the case’s sensitive nature, it was reviewed under the Office of the Attorney General’s regulations regarding major national security cases.

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