DHAKA: A former cabinet minister could face up to 14 years in jail after being slapped with charges including defying a summons by the Thai junta shortly after it seized power.

The minister’s lawyer said Monday, reports The Straits Times.

Chaturon Chaisang, who was education minister in the ousted government, was arrested by soldiers in front of a packed press conference on May 27, just five days after the army seized power and scooped up hundreds of potential dissidents.

He was released shortly after but now faces a military court over three charges.

‘If found guilty Chaturon faces seven years in jail for inciting unrest, five years for violating computer laws and two years for ignoring the summons,’ his lawyer Narinpong Jinapak told media.

The ex-politician was granted bail after his hearing but will return for trial at an unspecified date. Chaturon joins leading anti-coup activist Sombat Boonngamanon in the dock.

BDST: 2028 HRS, AUG 04, 2014