Thailand’s Telegenic Leader Accused of Inciting Unrest

A youthful political leader of the Future Forward Party, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, who rose to prominence during last month's election has been accused of inciting unrest. Thanathorn has been summoned to appear at a Bangkok police station on Saturday to hear the incitement charges against him. If found guilty, he could be imprisoned for seven years.

The billionaire called this 'an old political game'. Thanathorn said he had expected this after the party's strong election showing. Future Forward has joined an anti-military government coalition with six other parties claiming the right to form a government.

Taking to Facebook, the youthful leader wrote, "the dark influence will not leave Future Forward Party alone." Thanathorn is also facing a case under Thailand's Computer Crimes Act for allegedly spreading false information when he criticized the military government in a Facebook Live discussion in 2018.

Future Forward Party is slated as a key member of the coalition led by Pheu Thai, the party linked to self-exiled premier Thaksin Shinawatra.