Thailand's Ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Indicted on Charges of Insulting Monarchy

Thaksin Shinawatra, a prominent figure and alleged backer of Thailand's ruling government, has been formally indicted on charges of insulting the monarchy. This is the first time a high-profile individual has faced such severe allegations under the country's royal defamation law, considered one of the world's harshest. The indictment suggests that Thailand's royalist-military establishment is exerting its influence and power. Thaksin was granted bail shortly after his indictment, but he did not appear at the Criminal Court in Bangkok to meet with reporters, instead leaving the court without being seen.