Our friend and colleague, Dr. Paul Chambers, a renowned Thai studies scholar and American citizen was arrested and charged under Article 112 of Thailand’s Constitution for allegedly insulting the monarchy (lese majeste) and for violation of its Computer Crimes Act.

Dr. Chambers is an indispensable scholar and is easily one of the top scholars in his field, from his analyses of Thailand’s annual military leadership reshuffling, his numerous and highly-cited scholarly journal articles, and his many books. Paul is currently a lecturer at Thailand's Naresuan University and reported to the police station in the northern province of Phitsanulok.

He was recently denied bail as he was (laughably) considered a flight risk. While he is now out on bail, he is being forced to wear an electronic monitor as charges against him are still pending. While restrictions on academic freedom in Thailand are not uncommon, for Thai authorities to arrest a foreign scholar is very rare. 

But it must stop here and now. 

• By signing this petition, we hope that we can clear the name of colleague, Dr. Chambers, but send a message to governments (including Thailand), that abusing the law to target or silence academic freedom will not be tolerated and there will be consequences. Academics spend thousands every year on academic conferences, fees, association memberships, flights, and hotels, as well as dining at restaurants and supporting local businesses while overseas.
  
  
• By signing this petition, we agree that we will not attend conferences or renew memberships in academic associations that hold events in countries that limit academic freedom. It is time to act quickly and decisively in support of Dr. Chambers, in calling for the charges to be dropped and his immigration visa restored. 

Your support matters. Send a message here that tells the Thai government--and others like it--that the erosion of academic freedom cannot continue. Let's get Paul back to doing what he does best. 

Thank you.