BANGKOK, Dec 12 – Two conflicting groups demonstrated at the Criminal Court today as the Attorney General formally indicted the then prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for alledged premeditated murder in the 2010 anti-government protest.
Former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban, co-defendant in the case, sought the court’s permission to report on January 16, reasoning that he was engaged in an obligation.
According to the indictment, Mr Abhisit and Mr Suthep were involved in premeditated murder for ordering the suppression of protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (the Red Shirt group) in 2010, resulting in deaths and injuries.
Mr Abhisit denied all charges and pledged to fight the case. The court granted him temporary release on bail after the former premier’s lawyer posting a Bt600,000 bail bond. The court however barred him from leaving Thailand.
Evidence examination is scheduled for March 24, 2014.
Mr Abhisit immediately left the courthouse amid cheers by supporters and boos by opponents.
