Thailand's rising political star charged with sedition

The leader of a new political party that challenged Thailand's military government has been slammed with sedition charges.

The charges against Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the Future Forward Party that ran a strong third in the recent elections, dates back to 2015 when he was part of a student demonstration. 

Thanathorn called the charges politically motivated and questioned the timing.

Future Forward is joining an opposition "democratic front" alliance in a bid to block junta chief Prayuth Chan- ocha from staying in power.

The sedition charge, which was filed by the junta, is the second criminal case opened against Thanathorn since he formed the political party last year.