US Scholar Still Barred from Leaving Thailand Despite Dropped Charges
American academic Paul Chambers remains unable to leave Thailand nearly two weeks after prosecutors dropped a high-profile royal defamation case against him, his family has confirmed. The case has drawn diplomatic concern in Washington and renewed scrutiny of Thailand’s enforcement of its controversial lese-majeste laws.
Chambers, 58, a political science scholar formerly affiliated with Naresuan University, was arrested in April 2025 over his alleged involvement in a promotional statement for an academic webinar organized by a foreign research institute. Thai authorities interpreted the material as potentially violating Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly known as the lese-majeste law, which criminalizes defamation or insult of the monarchy.
Although prosecutors have formally decided to drop the charges, Thai police have not closed the case. They are reportedly exploring a separate potential charge under the Computer Crime Act, further complicating Chambers’ legal status.
As a result, Chambers has lost his university position and work visa. His passport remains in the possession of Thai authorities, effectively preventing him from leaving the country.
“We’re still not sure why he can’t leave,” said Chambers’ brother, Kit Chambers, in an interview with Reuters. He added that their mother, 85, and other relatives in the United States had expected him to return home but were told that the matter remains unresolved.
The original complaint was filed by a royalist military unit. Had it proceeded, the lese-majeste charge could have carried a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
The U.S. State Department has confirmed it is aware of the situation and awaiting police action in accordance with the prosecutors’ recommendation. While the department has not commented publicly on potential diplomatic repercussions, it has previously expressed concern about the use of lese-majeste laws in Thailand.
According to Kit Chambers, unnamed senior U.S. officials have indicated the issue may affect broader aspects of the U.S.-Thailand relationship, including ongoing trade discussions. Neither the White House, Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nor the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative responded to media inquiries. Chambers himself has declined to speak publicly due to the pending nature of the case.
Legal experts say the next steps remain unclear. Chambers’ lawyer, Yaowalak Anuphan, confirmed that police still have the authority to challenge the dropped charges. If they do, the final decision would rest with the attorney general. “The criminal case is not completed yet,” she said. A police source, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the matter remains under review.
The case has also raised broader concerns about academic freedom. Thai political analyst Pavin Chachavalpongpun of Kyoto University said the situation illustrates how legal instruments such as lese-majeste laws can serve as “punishment by process.” Even in the absence of a conviction, Pavin said, Chambers’ career, legal rights, and mobility have already been severely affected.
Thailand’s lese-majeste laws remain among the strictest in the world. Since protests erupted in 2020 calling for political reform, at least 281 individuals have been charged with royal defamation, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. Of the 92 cases that have reached a verdict, more than half resulted in prison sentences.
Chambers’ family continues to hope for his safe return. “We’re concerned that during this period of uncertainty, additional charges might be brought against him, even if baseless,” said Kit Chambers. “That would put him back to square one.”
