Thirty-one leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have been indicted in the Criminal Court on a range of charges including terrorism in connection with the seizure of Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports in 2008.
Prosecutors state in the indictment that the 31 violated the emergency decree imposed by the then-Somchai Wongsawat government on Nov 29, 2008 and incited PAD protesters to occupy the two airports.
Their intention was to force the Somchai government to resign.
The airports seizure was called off on Dec 2, 2008 when the Constitution Court ordered the dissolution of the People Power, Chart Thai and Matchimathipatai parties. The dissolution order resulted in Mr Somchai losing the prime minister's post.
The 31 are charged with terrorism, illegal assembly, violation of the emergency decree and a variety of other offences.
They include Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, Sondhi Limthongkul, Pibhop Dhongchai, Somsak Kosaisuk, Suriyasai Katasila, Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Sirichai Mai-ngam, Samran Rodphet, Maleerat Kaewka, Sawit Kaewwan, Therdphum Jaidee, Pol Gen Pratin Santiprapop and Anchalee Paireerak.
There are altogether 114 people who will face charges over the incident which closed the airports and caused massive disruption to flights and inconvenience to business people, tourists and commuters.
The prosecutors will indict the other defendants later.