Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra charged with defaming country’s monarchy

Thaksin Shinawatra has been indicted over accusations that he defamed the country’s monarchy (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was granted release on bail hours after he was formally indicted on Tuesday on a charge of defaming the country’s monarchy in one of several court cases that have rattled Thai politics.

Thaksin, an influential political figure despite being removed from power 18 years ago, reported himself to prosecutors on Tuesday morning and was indicted, Prayuth Bejraguna, a spokesperson for the office of the attorney general, said at a news conference.