Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra indicted, accused of

Thaksin’s case is the first in a series of high-profile legal cases before Thailand’s courts this week

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a powerful backer of the ruling government, was formally indicted for allegedly insulting the monarchy in 2015, in one of several court cases that have unsteadied Thai politics.

Thaksin, an influential political figure despite being ousted from power 18 years ago, reported to prosecutors just before 9am on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the office of the attorney general said at a news conference.

Thaksin was granted bail shortly after the attorney general formally indicted the 74-year-old billionaire.