Ex-Thai PM Abhisit indicted for murder over army crackdown

Former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was today indicted for murder in connection with the deaths of two protesters during a deadly military crackdown here in 2010 when he was in power.
Abhisit reported to the Criminal Court this morning for formal indictment on charges of premeditated murder causing death and injury in connection with the military crackdowns on demonstrators during anti-government protests by the United Front for Democracy between April-May 2010.
More than 90 people died in clashes during the 2010 protests.
Abhisit has denied the charges and was released on bail.
Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, who was Abhisit's deputy in 2010, also faces charges but asked the court to postpone his hearing.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) decided to indict 49-year-old Abhisit and former deputy prime minister Suthep on the recommendation of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Bangkok Post reported.

The case relates to the deaths of Yasothon taxi driver Phan Khamkong, 43, and 14-year-old Kunakorn Srisuwan, who the court ruled were killed by bullets fired by soldiers in the crackdown on May 15, 2010, and to the injury of van driver Samorn Maithong.
Abhisit's indictment comes amid political turmoil in Bangkok, with protesters backed by his opposition party seeking to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and rid the kingdom of the influence of her brother, deposed former leader Thaksin.

Abhisit arrived at the court with a team of lawyers. On arrival, he was greeted by about 15 red-shirts who shouted "murderer" at him, while another group of people handed him pink roses in moral support.
Winyat Chartmontree, a lawyer, led relatives of seven killed in the April 10, 2010 Khok Wua intersection clash on Ratchadamnoen Avenue to the court to file a petition opposing bail for Abhisit.
Suthep, leader of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), did not attend court. He instructed his lawyer Jessada Anucharee to submit a request to postpone his indictment, on the grounds that he is busy leading the ongoing PDRC protest.

Around 150 metropolitan police were deployed at the court to maintain law and order.
Reports said Abhisit was released on 1.8 million baht cash bail.
Abhisit was trounced by Yingluck in the 2011 general election.
Meanwhile, the Court of Appeals today sentenced ruling Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit to one year in jail without suspension for having defamed former Constitutional Court president Wasant Sroypisut.