Former Thai Prime Minister facing terror charges in wake of protests

Mr Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup, is accused by the government of fermenting and backing the two-month-long protests by the so-called Red Shirts who seized areas of Bangkok before being overcome by army troops last week.

His lawyer, London-based Robert Amsterdam, said the government

had "perverted justice through the laying of a charge that violates logic, law and any claim of hopes for reconciliation".

At least 88 people, mostly Red Shirts who were shot, died in protest-related violence.

Mr Thaksin, living in exile, is regarded as a hero by many Red Shirts.

Now based in Dubai, he was earlier charged with corruption and abuse of power during his tenure as Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006 .

The demonstrations in Bangkok have deepened already wide rifts in Thai society and most analysts expect further political conflict and possibly renewed violence.

On Monday, opposition leaders moved to impeach current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for his handling of the rioting, and an army official said the capital would remain under curfew for another week as a precaution against further unrest.

The impeachment measure and a move to censure top Cabinet officials was expected to be easily defeated.

"The purpose of the curfew is to separate the terrorists from the public," said the army spokesman. He said the late hours of the curfew would not cause significant disturbances to the public.