Thailand's former PM may face lese-majeste charges

Bangkok: Thai police have recommended former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra be charged with three counts of lese-majeste, police chief Sereepisut Taemeeyaves said yesterday.

The charges could put Thaksin in jail for 45 years, he said.

The recommendation to public prosecutors was under consideration, he told a news conference marking six months since Thaksin was ousted in a bloodless coup.

"The prosecutors want us to provide them more evidence on some of the cases before they decide whether to charge Thaksin in court," Sereepisut said.

The three potential charges of offending revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej stemmed from remarks to a group of taxi drivers, his weekly national radio address, and his supporters waving Thai flags saying "Long Live His Majesty".

Sereepisut and Attorney-General Patchara Utithamdamrong declined to give more details, citing the sensitivity of cases involving the world's longest reigning monarch who has exalted status in Thailand.