Govt cancels visa of US scholar and lese majeste law critic
David Streckfuss, an American scholar and Thai politics expert, says his work permit and visa have been cancelled by the government – a move that will be seen as politically motivated.
Streckfuss, who is based in Khon Kaen, has encouraged debate of the lese majeste law (Section 112) via his writing and the Isaan Record website, which he founded.
The US-born independent scholar told Khaosod English reporter Pravit Rojanaphruk on Friday that his work permit and visa were revoked after Immigration police visited Khon Kaen University recently. Four Immigration officers met with university executives, he said.
Streckfuss has lived in Thailand for the past 35 years and has a Thai wife and two children. He authored the book “Truth on Trial in Thailand: Defamation, Treason, and Lèse-Majesté”.
On Friday, Immigration police reportedly denied Streckfuss’s visa was revoked over his comments on the lese majeste law, adding it was automatically cancelled when Khon Kaen University withdrew his work permit.
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