Thaksin, an influential politician despite being ousted from power 18 years ago, appeared before prosecutors just before 9am to have his indictment completed.
 "Thaksin indicted for defaming the royal family; more incidents cause uproar in Thailand")
Thaksin's lawyer Winyat Chatmontry told reporters that Thaksin is ready to face the legal process and is preparing to apply for release on bail | Photo: Reuters AP Bangkok
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was formally charged on Tuesday with defaming Thailand's monarchy, one of several cases destabilizing Thai politics.
Thaksin, an influential politician despite being ousted from power 18 years ago, appeared before prosecutors just before 9 a.m. and the indictment process was completed, Prayut Vejraguna, spokesman for the attorney-general's office, told a news conference.
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A car believed to be carrying Thaksin arrived at Bangkok Criminal Court but he did not show up to be interviewed by reporters. It was unclear whether he went to the court or the nearby prosecutor's office.
Thaksin's lawyer, Winyat Chatmontry, told reporters that Thaksin was ready to face the legal process and was preparing documents to seek release on bail.
Defaming the monarchy is known as lèse majesté, which carries a prison sentence of three to 15 years. It is one of the toughest laws in the world and is increasingly used in Thailand to punish critics of the government.
