US Scholar Based in Thailand Challenges 'Unlawful' Termination

Take Down Their Thrones:

There's a buzz around the academic world as Paul Chambers, a well-known commentator on civil-military relations and democracy in Asia, finds himself in hot water in Thailand. Despite having his lese-majeste case dismissed due to lack of grounds, he's been kicked out from Naresuan University and faces potential deportation.

The drama began when university higher-ups, acting on behalf of the rector, signed termination notices retroactive to April 9, the same day Chambers' visa was revoked. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) argue that this move was unjust and an overreach of authority, as the vice-rector doesn't have the powers to make such decisions without proper investigation.

The university's own regulations state that termination can only occur in instances of severe misconduct or failure to meet qualifications. Chambers, who has been living in Thailand since 1993, doesn't fit either of those categories. To add insult to injury, Chambers was never given the chance to make his case or defend himself.

The legal eagles at TLHR are backing Chambers and argue that the university skirted procedures by not setting up a fact-finding committee to investigate his conduct before taking action. To make matters worse, Chambers' contract requires three months' notice for contract termination, which was also ignored.

The controversy stems from a webinar Chambers was scheduled to speak at, organized by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. However, Chambers claims he didn’t write or publish the content that caused a stir, which has since been removed from the Institute's website.

Prosecutors in Phitsanulok concluded that the evidence against Chambers wasn't enough to keep the lese-majeste charge alive, but there's still a chance that Provincial Police Region 6 could challenge the decision and seek to pursue the case again.

Regardless, it’s looking grim for Chambers. His passport was returned after prosecutors announced their decision but was seized again by immigration officials. If the review committee determines that the visa revocation stands, he could be deported from the kingdom.

The case raises questions about academic freedom, procedural fairness, and the treatment of foreign academics within Thailand's educational system. The resolution of this case could have far-reaching implications for future policy reforms. Stay tuned.

Enrichment Insights:

The university's actions raise due process concerns, as Chambers was not given the opportunity to present his defense before termination.
The university's own internal regulations mandate a fact-finding committee to evaluate disciplinary matters before any disciplinary actions; however, Chambers claims this was disregarded in his case.
The termination was made retroactive to the day Chambers' visa was revoked, coincidentally the day after he acknowledged charges against him.
The university's policy only permits termination in specific circumstances: if an employee lacks qualifications or commits a disciplinary infraction. Chambers maintains that neither of these applies to his situation.
The case has attracted attention from human rights organizations like Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, who are supporting Chambers in his legal challenge.
The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for how Thai universities handle disciplinary actions against foreign academics, potentially influencing future policy reforms regarding transparency and due process.

Despite having his lese-majeste case dismissed, Paul Chambers faces potential deportation after being kicked out from Naresuan University due to unjust actions taken retroactively on the same day his visa was revoked.
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) argues that the university's actions, including ignoring due process and Chambers' contract's three-month notice requirement, constitute an overreach of authority and violate Chambers' rights.
The university's own regulations state that termination can only occur in instances of severe misconduct or failure to meet qualifications, but Chambers does not fit either of these categories, as he has been living in Thailand since 1993.
The controversy surrounding Paul Chambers' case brings to light concerns about academic freedom, procedural fairness, and the treatment of foreign academics within Thailand's educational system, with the potential for far-reaching implications for future policy reforms.