Asia-Pacific

Former Thai prime minister appears in court in Bangkok on murder charges

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva charged in connection with crackdown on protests in 2010

Thai Democrat Party leader and former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva gestures as he arrives at Bangkok criminal court on Thursday to face murder charges over the 2010 military crackdown on protesters that left more than 90 people dead. Photograph: Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters

Thu Dec 12 2013 - 17:45

Thailand's former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been formally charged with murder in connection with the deaths of protesters killed during a crackdown on anti-government demonstrations in 2010.

Abhisit is charged with the deaths of a 43-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl. He denies the charges.

About 90 people were killed in the crackdown, and other cases are still pending against Abhisit.

In 2010, "Red Shirt" protesters occupied Bangkok city centre for months. The Red Shirts support former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose sister Yingluck is now the premier.

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Today, Thaksin’s supporters control the government, and backers of Abhisit’s former government are demanding the current administration step down.

Abhisit’s government approved the use of live ammunition under limited conditions and deployed sharpshooters during the 2010 demonstrations. (PA)

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