OU Graduate Paul Chambers Finally Leaves Thailand After Arrest on…

Paul Chambers, a University of Oklahoma graduate, was arrested for insulting the Thai monarchy but has since had his charges dropped and is returning home. After a distressing period in prison, he successfully left Thailand, although he faces challenges ahead, including concerns for his wife and future career.

A University of Oklahoma graduate has finally been permitted to leave Thailand after being arrested on charges of insulting the monarchy. Paul Chambers, who was taken into custody back in April, saw his charges dropped, and after navigating a complex legal landscape, he is now heading home.

Paul’s troubles began when he voluntarily surrendered to authorities on April 8 upon discovering there was a warrant out for his arrest. Despite expectations that his cooperation might lead to a swift resolution, he found himself facing a serious and distressing situation in a Thai prison. “I didn’t expect that I’d be going into a Thai prison. I thought that okay, if I turn myself in, I’ll answer these charges and then maybe they’ll let me go home. But no, that’s not what happened,” he recalled.

His mother, Peggy Chambers, who teaches at OU, was initially unaware of the circumstances surrounding her son’s arrest. “He didn’t know for what reason. He just had to appear,” she said. Authorities accused Paul of lèse-majesté—a law that carries harsh penalties for criticizing the monarchy, making his case particularly sensitive as he became the first American ever charged under this statute.

“Flabbergasted. I was totally flabbergasted and I couldn’t believe it… I was wrongfully accused. I was wrongfully put in prison and at the same time, I’m innocent,” Paul expressed. Having lived in Thailand since 1993 and married to a Thai national, he never anticipated facing such severe allegations.

During his brief incarceration, Paul described the prison environment as overcrowded and oppressive. “The quarantine area contains 37 men in a tiny room and so I’m in this room. It’s like a sardine can.” He felt particularly threatened due to the nature of his charges. “There were prisoners who were very angry that someone might say something against to their king. I said, ‘I’m innocent,’ but you know it’s possible that I could have been attacked in prison.”

After a few days, Paul was able to secure bond but was placed under strict conditions, including wearing an ankle monitor. His legal troubles stemmed from his involvement in critical research on the Thai military. Paul mentioned that he did not even write a controversial blurb that reportedly sparked the outrage leading to his arrest.

“I do critical research on the military and so sometimes I criticize the military,” Paul explained. His published works on Thai military affairs have likely caused tension with powerful figures, he speculated. Ultimately, prosecution declined to pursue the case, but even after charges were dropped, Thai officials continued to prevent his exit until recently.

“It was very difficult because I was afraid that I was going to be sent back to prison,” he said. He felt that the fear of reprisal loomed heavily over his case, creating a life-threatening situation should he have remained in Thailand.

In a twist of bureaucracy, officials only returned his passport when he was at the airport, just prior to boarding his flight. Paul described his departure as surreal: “It was a dream come true that I could somehow leave. I had to pinch myself.”

However, his forced exit has profound implications for his career and family. “It’s devastating… my wife is in Thailand. It means my wife and I will have a long-distance relationship because she’s there in Thailand,” Paul lamented. His concerns extend to her safety in light of his situation, as he fears reprisals from those who may disagree with his criticism of the military.

Reflecting on his experience, he remarked, “I realized that when I got out I couldn’t go back there.” Paul is en route back to Oklahoma, with heartfelt thanks for those who assisted him, including the U.S. Ambassador and various legal advocates.

Following a harrowing ordeal in a Thai prison, Paul Chambers is finally returning to the U.S. after his charges of insulting the monarchy were dropped. Though he is relieved to be free, the experience has profound personal and professional implications, particularly regarding his family in Thailand and his future career. His case highlights serious issues surrounding free speech and human rights in Thailand as he plans to continue his critical research from afar.

Original Source: www.fox23.com