Mr Abhisit, who leads the opposition Democrat Party, denied the charges and was granted bail.
The indictment came as protests against current Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra continued, and protesters briefly entered Government House.
Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, who was Mr Abhisit’s deputy in 2010, also faces charges but has asked the court to postpone his hearing.
Mr Abhisit and Mr Suthep were in power when thousands of supporters of ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra occupied parts of Bangkok. They authorised the army to clear the protesters.
The charges relate to the shooting deaths of a 43-year-old taxi driver and a 14-year-old during the crack