BANGKOK: Thai authorities charged former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday with giving orders to use live ammunition that led to civilian deaths during a military crackdown on an anti-government protest in May 2010. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) charged Abhisit and former Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban for their role in the 2010 events.

“They allowed security forces to use weapons and live ammunition that led to the death of civilians,” said DSI chief Tarit Pengdith.

The DSI’s decision to press charges was influenced by a court ruling on Sept 17 in the inquest into the death of taxi driver Phan Kamthong during the protests. The inquest found that troops, acting on orders from state officials, killed Phan.

The two politicians were charged under article 288 of the criminal code. If found guilty, they could face the death penalty or up to life in prison. Neither was present when the charges were read out.—Reuters