Salo causes to Thailand The case of American academic Paul Cheiberswho is accused of insulting her monarchyone of the most strictly punished violations in the country. Ceibers, a lecturer at Nanessan University in Central Thailand and a specialist on the Army and Policy issues, was presented on Tuesday at authorities, led to court and was officially charged with charges.

Thailand applies one of the strictest laws about “King’s Infringement” (Lese Majeste) in the world, with prison sentences up to 15 years For every infringement, while dozens of people have been convicted in recent years. It is indicative that every citizen of the country can file a lawsuit for such charges.

According to Ceibers’ lawyer, arrest warrant was issued last week following a complaint filed by the Army Regional Administration. Cheibers also faces categories and under computer crimes law.

As Akaratsai Chaimmanicaracate said, head of law in the organization Thai Lawyers for Human Rights and a member of the Legal Team of Ceibers:

‘The case is related to text published on his website Southeast Asia Institute of Singapore (ISEAS)compared to a webinar in October 2024 for military rearrangements in Thailand. “

Categorically denies the categories

Paul Cheibers categorically denies all accusations, stating that he neither wrote nor published the text in question.

Talking to CNN Prior to his appearance in court on Tuesday, Cheibers said he was not sufficiently explained to the charges he faces, expressing concern that he may be sentenced to 15 years in prison.

He remains in custody, as the court refused to guarantee him, and his legal team has already filed a new request, hoping to prevent his detention until the trial.

It is noted that Cheibers is Recognized researcher, writer and lecturer to Center for Studies of the ASEAN Community of Nanessan Universitywhile often offering analyzes and comments on her issues Southeast Asia In international media.

Choking on the freedom of speech is seen by the defenders of the American professor

Human rights defense groups warn that accusations against Paul Cheibers are a “serious threat to academic freedom in the country”.

“Unlike other royal cases, this concerns an established academic, with significant specialization in the Army-Politics relations in Thailand,” said Akaratsai Tsaimanikaracate from the defense team.

The US State Department has expressed concern about the arrest of the American citizen, stating that it provides consular aid.

“The United States strongly supports freedom of expression worldwide,” a spokesman said. “We regularly call on the Thai authorities, private and publicly, to protect freedom of speech, according to the country’s international obligations.”

The conservative, militarily supported elite has ruled Thailand for decades, with monarchy’s legislation, incitement and cyber -criminal law often used, according to critics, to silence dissidents.

Since 1932, when the absolute monarchy was abolished, the army has held 13 successful coups, with the most recent in 2014, which led to nearly ten -year military rule.

In 2023, a Thai Court of Appeal proceeded to the heavier conviction of royal defamation, imposing a 50 -year prison sentence on a man who had already been sentenced to 28 years.

“Challenges against Cheibers are another symptom of increasing restriction of freedom of expression and academic freedom in Thailand,” he said, “he said. Sunai Fasuksenior researcher for the Human Rights Watch.

He pointed out that Ceibers has been a target of over -patriotic groups for years, which have launched misinformation, rhetorical hate, and pressure on the authorities to dismiss or cancel his residence permit.

The targeting of foreign citizens under the royal offense law is rare. Last well -known case was recorded in 2011, when the American Joe GordonBorn in Thailand, he was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for hiring a link to a forbidden biography of King Bumibol Antuljady. Later he was released by royal grace.