Mr. Thaksin is the most high-profile figure to be charged with violating the royal defamation law, which is one of the world’s harshest.
He posted bail of about $14,000, according to Thailand’s court of justice, but the case could drag on for months.
It allowed Mr. Thaksin to enter the country last year after 15 years of self-exile and effectively partnered with him — a longtime opponent — to prevent a new challenger from rising to power.
Now, analysts say, it has used the threat of legal action against Mr. Thaksin, 74, to keep a check on his political ambitions.
Although Mr. Thaksin does not have a formal position in the current government, he is widely regarded to have powerful influence over the governing coalition, which is led by his political party, the Pheu Thai Party.
Persons:
Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, —
Organizations:
Thai Party
Locations:
Thailand