Thai prosecutors recommend dropping insult charges against American academic

​​​​​​​By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Thai prosecutors suggested dropping lese-majeste and computer crime charges against American academic Paul Chambers, the Attorney General Office announced Thursday, according to the Bangkok Post.

Spokesman Sakkasem Nisaiyok said prosecutors made the decision after reviewing the investigation file. He added that prosecutors would submit a request to the Phitsanulok Provincial Court to dismiss the case against Chambers.

The statement provided no reason for the decision, except that prosecutors believed the evidence did not meet the criteria for enforcing action under the royal defamation law.

Authorities arrested the US national April 8 on charges of insulting the monarchy, with a court rejecting his bail application, with the decision criticized by the US State Department.

The charges stem from a complaint filed by the military's Third Army Region, which alleged Chambers posted comments online that could be interpreted as offensive to the monarchy.

Chambers, however, has denied the accusations, stating he did not post the content on the website.

Thailand’s lèse majesté laws, among the harshest in the world, criminalize defamation or insult of the monarchy, with penalties of up to 15 years in prison per offense.

Rights groups and foreign governments have repeatedly criticized the use of the laws as a tool to suppress dissent.​​​​​​​