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https://theconversation.com/thailands-fragile-democracy-takes-another-hit-with-arrest-of-us-academic-254706>
"Despite the challenges faced by local democratic activists, Thailand has often
been an oasis of relative liberalism compared with neighbouring countries such
as Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.
Westerners, in particular, have been largely welcomed and provided with a
measure of protection from harassment by the authorities. Thailand’s economy is
extremely dependent on foreign tourism. Many Westerners also work in a variety
of industries, including as academics at public and private universities.
That arrangement now seems under pressure. Earlier this month, Paul Chambers,
an American political science lecturer at Naresuan University, was arrested on
charges of violating the
Computer Crimes Act and the lèse-majesté law under
Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code for allegedly insulting the monarchy.
Chambers’ visa has been revoked and he now faces a potential punishment of 15
years in jail.
The lèse-majesté law has become a common tool for silencing Thai activists. At
least 272 people have been charged under the law since pro-democracy protests
broke out in 2020, according to rights groups.
Its use against foreigners has, until now, been limited. No foreign academic
has ever been charged with it. Because of the law, however, most academics in
Thailand usually tread carefully in their critiques of the monarchy.
The decision to charge a foreign academic, therefore, suggests a hardening of
views on dissent by conservative forces in the country. It represents a further
deterioration in Thailand’s democratic credentials and provides little optimism
for reform under the present government."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
