State Department ‘Troubled’ by Imprisonment of American in Thailand

A State Department spokesperson Thursday called the sentencing of a U.S. citizen in Thailand for the crime of insulting Thailand’s king “troubling,” and reiterated the U.S.’ “strong support for freedom expression around the world.”

Joe Gordon, an American citizen born in Thailand, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on December 8 for posting a partial translation of an anti-monarchy book, Paul Handley’s The King Never Smiles, on the internet.  Gordon reportedly made the posting several years ago, and was arrested seven months ago when he traveled to Thailand for medical treatment.

At the State Department’s daily press briefing Thursday, spokesperson Mark Toner said that the Department has “no higher priority” than the protection of Americans overseas.  He said that Department officials in Thailand were “engaging” with the authorities over Gordon’s case and had been in touch with Gordon and his family.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, and Thailand’s King, Bhumibol Adulyadej, is the world’s longest-ruling monarch.  Insulting the royal family carries a long prison sentence in Thailand, although foreigners found guilty of violating the law are typically pardoned and deported.

Gordon, 55, says he only pled guilty after repeatedly being denied bail.  He is hoping to receive a royal pardon.

Thailand has been wracked by political unrest since 2005, which peaked in a military coup against a prime minister seen as insufficiently loyal to the king in 2006 and violent street battles between the army and supporters of the deposed prime minister in 2010.  Human rights groups say that Gordon’s conviction is part of a larger crackdown on freedom of expression in the wake of this unrest.

Despite its domestic political tensions, Thailand is viewed by the United States as a key trading partner and a crucial ally in counternarcotics and the war on terrorism.

As of Thursday, the most recent statement on Thailand at the State Department’s website was a message of birthday greetings from Secretary Clinton to the Thai king.  “His Majesty to the Kingdom of Thailand is a tireless advocate for the Thai people and the enduring bonds between our two countries,” Clinton stated.