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Latest Update: 02/12/2016

Defendant

Anthony Chai

Case Status

Under investigation

Case Started

2006

Complainant / Plaintiff

Mr. Yannapol Yangyuen, Department of Special Investigation (DSI)

Table of Content

Mr. Anthony Chai, a Thai-American owner of a computer shop in Long Beach, California, was arrested by the DSI at Suvarnabhumi Airport after some comments were found insulting the monarchy, which were posted on the Manusaya website by a computer from his shop in California

Defendant Background

Mr. Anthony Chai, a Thai-American owner of a computer shop in Long Beach, California.

Offense

Article 112 Criminal Code

Allegation

Mr. Anthony Chai was arrested by the DSI at Suvarnabhumi Airport after some comments were found insulting the monarchy, which were posted on the Manusaya website by a computer from his shop in California.

Circumstance of Arrest

Mr. Anthony Chai was arrested at Suvannabhum Airport during his return trip to the US. 

Trial Observation

No information

Black Case

No information

Court

No information

Additional Info

No information

Reference

http://www.manager.co.th/Crime/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9490000042318

 

http://www.humanrightsusa.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=227&Itemid=189

 

9 May 2006 
Mr. Anthony was arrested at Suvannabhum Airport during his return trip to California. At that time, DSI officer informed him by words that he was chaged under lèse majesté law. DSI officer then took 1 day and 1 night investigation process on him before he had a chance to seek a lawyer. His laptop was confiscated.
 
According to the information from Human Rights USA, Mr. Anthony was also forced to write a confession that he defamed the monarchy and would not repeat the action again. Further, he was also forced to write a letter both in Thai and English to seek the royal pardon. 
 
After the release, Mr. Anthony flew back to California while DSI continue to e-mail him asking for the copies of his “pro-democracy” and “anti-monarchy” books he belonged.
 
July – August 2006
DSI sent a letter to Mr. Anthony requesting him to return to Thailand for further investigation. He replied back that he could not do so. The DSI then issued him an arrest warrant in September.
 
November 2006
He met with DSI officer in California.
 
September 2011
Mr. Anthony was informed by the Thai Authority that he will be arrested under the lèse majesté charges if he returns to Thailand.
 
24 August 2011
Mr. Anthony filed a complaint against Netfirms, the web hosting company for Manusaya.com, to the Superior Court of California for revealing his private information to the Thai government and resulting in his arrest.
 

Verdict

No information

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