Chambers case must end

Thailand's economy is under strain. Tariff talks with the Trump administration are stalled. Growth is plunging. Global tensions are rising. The last thing the country needs is a diplomatic crisis triggered by a flimsy lèse majesté charge — especially one that the public prosecutor now refuses to pursue.

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Paul Chambers, an American academic at Naresuan University, is known for his research on the Thai military — work that has long irritated powerful figures in uniform.

When he was charged with lèse majesté and computer-related crimes early last month, the US responded swiftly, expressing concern and pledging to monitor the case closely.

The timing couldn't be worse. The World Bank slashed Thailand's growth forecast to 1.6% — the lowest in the region. The IMF cut its projection to 1.8%. Moody's downgraded Thailand's economic outlook to negative, citing high fiscal and economic risks.

Resolving the tariff standoff with the US is urgent. But progress has stalled.