Family of arrested Thai-American citizen Joe Gordon, 54, believe he is innocent of all charges.

On Friday Prachatai reported that Mr. Gordon had been charged on Tuesday "with lèse majesté, inciting unrest and disobedience of the law in public, and disseminating computer data which threatens national security." The DSI allege that he owns a blog which offers a link to download 'The King Never Smiles', a book banned in Thailand.

His family, however, maintain his innocence. "He is a normal man," says his sister, who is based in Thailand's north-east. "He is my closest brother. I know him so well, better than anyone. We believe he did not do these things."

"Our family was so surprised. What happened? This is not right."

"Though, not everybody in the family knows," she said. "Because lèse majesté is so sensitive, in Thailand. We don't want everyone to know. It is too hard for everybody in our family. So I have taken this responsibility."

"It all happened so quickly," she said. "My elder brother called me at home. He described how it he felt when the DSI came. "They treated our brother like a terrorist - like a murderer!" Ten officials came, in four or five cars."

"There are four houses in the compound. A lot of our family, especially our extended family, who are elderly, live there. The DSI searched through everything. They felt terrified."

"But my brother is a US citizen. I called the Embassy when I found out the news, then the (US) ambassador visited him on Friday."

"I have not spoken to my brother, yet," she said. "But I am coming. It is hard for me to come to Bangkok. So I am writing emails to the media, so they know what happened."

"Please send a message to my brother," she asked. "Tell him, 'I won't leave him alone.' I know he is innocent. We are coming."

Updated (6.00 pm, 28 May): response from the US Embassy

"The United States Government strongly supports freedom of expression, and asks that the Thai Government provide Mr. Gordon with fair treatment," says Kristin Kneedler, deputy spokesperson at the US Embassy in Bangkok.

"We remain in close contact with Mr. Gordon and his family, and we are providing consular assistance - as with all other United States citizens arrested abroad."

"I cannot speak to exact legal details as yet," she responded, when asked if the US Embassy intends to make an official public statement regarding the matter. "But I will say that we are in the process of determining the nature of those charges."

Ms. Kneedler noted that the United States Embassy intends to keep media abreast of further developments in Mr. Gordon's case.