OU Graduate Arrested in Thailand Finally Leaves Country, Heads Home
Paul Chambers, a University of Oklahoma grad, was arrested in Thailand for insulting the monarchy. After two months and charges being dropped, he can finally leave the country. He expressed relief after a harrowing experience and remains concerned for his family back in Thailand.
A University of Oklahoma graduate, Paul Chambers, who faced arrest in Thailand for allegedly insulting the monarchy, is finally returning home. After two months post-arrest, his charges were dropped, allowing him to leave the country safely. He broke this news shortly after landing in Italy, telling friends he needed a chance to unwind after such a trying experience.
This saga began on April 8 when Chambers learned of a warrant for his arrest over accusations of lèse-majesté, which refers to defaming the monarchy. “I didn’t expect that I’d be going into a Thai prison. I thought that okay, if I turned myself in, I’d answer these charges and then maybe they’d let me go home. But no, that’s not what happened,” Chambers recounted.
His mother, Peggy Chambers, who teaches at the University, was unaware of her son’s troubles initially, saying, “He didn’t know for what reason. He just had to appear.” Paul’s unexpected encounter with Thai authorities left him bewildered, describing his reaction: “Flabbergasted. I was totally flabbergasted… I’m innocent. I’m totally innocent of all of this.”
Chambers has lived and worked in Thailand for many years and never anticipated such trouble. “I love Thailand and I love the Thai people. I’m married to a Thai. I never thought that this could happen to me,” he shared, emphasizing his respect for the country’s culture.
After being jailed briefly, he found the experience unsettling, describing his incarceration as cramped with 37 other men. “It’s like a sardine can.” Layering anxiety was the sensitivity surrounding his charge; fellow inmates, irate over any perceived insult to the king, made him feel particularly vulnerable.
Eventually released on bail, he was fitted with an ankle monitor, a precaution given the nature of his accusations. “The thing is, if I was convicted, it was up to 15 years,” he noted. Chambers hinted that his academic work, particularly his critical research on the Thai military, might have contributed to his predicament.
The Thai authorities surprised him when, despite the dropping of charges, they initially balked at letting him leave the country. “No one wanted to be responsible for letting me go… the person who allowed Chambers to go could find themselves in hot water,” he explained. After considerable delay and caution, his freedom was finally sanctioned at the airport.
Chambers expressed his relief: “It was a dream come true that I could somehow leave. I had to pinch myself.” Still, this deportation marks a significant personal and professional setback. “It’s devastating because it’s my career in Thailand, but also my wife is still there. This means a long-distance relationship, and I worry for her safety,” he admitted.
He aims to keep his voice active against human rights violations by the Thai military, despite his concerns for his wife. “I will definitely speak out about the issues of the Thai military… but I have to worry about my wife at the same time,” he said, ensuring a cautious balance in his advocacy ahead.
Chambers’ future remains uncertain as he heads back to Oklahoma this week. He took the time to appreciate those who supported him through the ordeal, including the U.S. Ambassador, Senator James Lankford, and various human rights organizations.
Paul Chambers, once embroiled in legal troubles in Thailand, is now on his way back to the U.S. after charges were dropped. His experience underscores the complexities and potential dangers facing individuals engaged in critical dialogue about monarchy-related topics in Thailand. As he seeks to rebuild his life and continue his advocacy, he remains concerned for the safety of his Thai wife and the consequences of his work in the future.
Original Source: www.fox23.com
