American academic Paul Chambers has been detained in Thailand and refused bail as he faces charges under a royal insult law that can carry a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, Thai media reported.

Why It Matters

The detention of the prominent academic could become another irritant in the relationship between the United States and its ally Thailand, particularly given the emphasis that President ‘s administration has placed on .

The U.S. recently imposed visa bans on Thai officials after the Southeast Asian country who had been seeking asylum. China had sought their deportation. Thailand also faces a under Trump.

What To Know

Chambers’ request for bail was denied by the Phitsanulok Provincial Court on Tuesday after he had reported to police to acknowledge the charges brought against him, the Prachathai English news site reported. It quoted his lawyers as saying that they would file another request for bail. He has denied the charges.

Regalrumination.com sought comment from his legal team.

Chambers is a lecturer on international affairs at Naresuan University in northern as is a leading expert on militaries in Southeast Asia.

He faces charges under Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code—a law that —as well as under the Computer Crime Act. In January, the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Group said that at least 277 individuals had faced charges under Section 112.

The complaint against Chambers had been filed by the Thai army, the Bangkok Post newspaper said. It quoted one of his lawyers as saying it related to a website blurb in relation to a regional think tank’s webinar in October 2024 and was not something he had written himself.

The military and the monarchy have a close relationship in Thailand at the heart of the conservative establishment that has long dominated politics.

What People Are Saying

Sunai Phasuk, senior researcher on Thailand at Human Rights Watch, on X: “If found guilty, he could face up to 15 year-prison term. A dark day for free speech and academic freedom in Thailand.”

Mark S. Cogan, associate professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan, on X: “Dr. Chambers has been in Thailand since the 1990s. He’s no flight risk, nor is he remotely guilty of any of these ridiculous charges. He should be released at once!”

What Happens Next

Whether or not the court accepts a bail application, the process in cases of royal insult can be lengthy and Chambers could ultimately face years in jail with consequences for Thailand’s reputation and relationship with the United States.