Thaksin bailed as Thai courts embark on series of politically charged cases

Indictment of former PM, hearings against progressive parties, seen driven by rivalry with the conservative establishment.

A Thai court has bailed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra after he was indicted for insulting the royal family.

The decision on Tuesday that the influential billionaire would not be held in pre-trial detention was the first in a series of legal cases with the potential of significant political impact that have put Thailand on edge.

Prosecutors indicted Thaksin, who…