Bail is still a human right

The royal defamation lawsuit against American academic Paul Chambers — who initially had his bail requests denied twice — has dealt a fresh blow to Thailand’s already tarnished human rights record.

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Dr Chambers, a special adviser on international affairs at Phitsanulok-based Naresuan University, reported to police at Muang Station on April 8 to acknowledge a complaint filed by the Third Region Army. The complaint centred on promotional content for a webinar held last October, which was allegedly insulting to the monarch and in violation of the Computer Crime Act.

The academic, who could face up to 15 years in prison, has firmly denied any involvement in producing the content. After he reported to police, he was sent to court, which twice refused to grant him bail before finally releasing him yesterday on a 600,000-baht surety.