US academic not allowed to leave Thailand: Brother

An American scholar remains in Thailand after prosecutors dropped charges against him of insulting the monarchy, his family said, as his legal jeopardy continues in a case that has raised concern in the US government.

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Paul Chambers, a lecturer on political science, was arrested last month in a rare case of lese-majeste against a foreigner. He could face up to 15 years in jail, based on a complaint filed by the royalist army. “He’s not allowed to leave the country, we are not sure exactly why,” his brother Kit Chambers said.

His family in the US, including his 85-year-old mother, thought he would be coming home but he remains in legal limbo, his brother said.

Although the state prosecutor dropped its charges two weeks ago, police could still pursue the case, which includes a charge of computer crime.

Chambers, 58, has lost his work visa and job at Naresuan University, and his passport was seized.