Paul Chambers: Meet the US expert on Thailand targeted by lese majeste charge

11 Sept 01:28 Key points summarised by AI

US scholar Paul Chambers faces expulsion from Thailand and potential imprisonment after being charged with lese majeste and computer crime, leading to his visa revocation and bail with an electronic monitor.
The charges stem from his participation in an online seminar discussing Thai military and political affairs, with critics alleging offensive content in the event's promotional material, which Chambers denies authoring.
The legal action has drawn significant concern from the US State Department and international human rights organizations, who condemn the charges as a threat to academic freedom and call for his immediate release.
Chambers is a prolific academic who has lived and researched Thai politics in Thailand since 1993, authoring numerous books and articles on Southeast Asian politics and civil-military relations.

Lamphun in a New Light

Today 15:02 Key points summarised by AI

Lamphun illuminates its ancient city with two concurrent light festivals: the high-tech VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN and the traditional Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival.
VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN transforms historic landmarks into an outdoor gallery, using projections and multimedia to animate Lamphun's history, including Queen Chamadevi's story.
The Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival, part of Yi Peng, fills temples and streets with countless traditional lanterns, symbolizing Buddhist devotion and personal wishes.
These festivals offer a unique after-dark experience, blending contemporary light art with centuries-old Lanna traditions, connecting visitors to Lamphun's past and faith.