Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was indicted on Tuesday on a charge of defaming the country's monarchy. He was granted bail shortly afterwards.

Thai prosecutors say Thaksin's remarks in an interview with South Korean media in 2015 violated the country's lese-majeste law. People found guilty of insulting the monarchy can be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.

Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup and went into self-imposed exile for 15 years. He returned to Thailand last August. He was briefly imprisoned for convictions including corruption, but freed on parole in February.

The former leader has recently met with political figures both inside and outside Thailand, including Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Local media say the indictment can be seen as a deterrent effort by conservatives who are wary of Thaksin's political influence.

Source: NHK World-Japan 

BDST: 1654 HRS, JUN 18, 2024
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