Regional prosecutors said they would not prosecute Paul Chambers, a lecturer arrested under Thailand’s strict lèse-majesté laws. But the charges have not been fully dropped.

Thai prosecutors dismissed charges against an American academic accused of insulting the country's monarchy, after his arrest was criticized by the US and cast a shadow over tariff talks.

Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University, was arrested after the army filed a complaint against him. On Thursday, prosecutors said they would request for charges against him to be dropped, though this has to be reviewed by the police. If they disagree, the decision will fall to the attorney-general.