Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 4, 2008 4:19:20 PM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Deposed Thai PM Pleads Not Guilty to Graft

Posted Mar 12, 08 9:47 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra pleaded not guilty to graft charges today in a Supreme Court packed with hundreds of his supporters, AFP reports. Thaksin will not have to attend every hearing in his trial; he has already obtained permission to return to Britain, where he owns a soccer team. Outside the courthouse, many Thaksin loyalists carried roses for the former leader, and several broke down in tears.

Thaksin returned to Thailand two weeks ago for the first time since the country's military deposed him in a 2006 bloodless coup. He's charged with two counts of corruption involving a real estate deal. He allegedly used his political influence to obtain more favorable terms for his wife in a business transaction. Both he and his wife face up to 13 years in prison if convicted, although observers don't expect a guilty verdict.

Source AFP

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Protesters Will Leave Bangkok Airports

    Dec 2, 08 9:01 AM CST
    Protesters Will Leave Bangkok Airports Anti-government protesters in Thailand will end their occupation of Bangkok's two airports, allowing stranded tourists to fly home as soon as Thursday. All protests will end tomorrow, the People's Alliance for Democracy announced today, following a decision by the country's constitutional court that dissolved the leading political parties and barred the prime minister and other top politicians from holding office for 5 years.
    More »

  • Grenade Blast Hurts 46 Thai Protesters

    Nov 29, 08 5:08 PM CST
    Grenade Blast Hurts 46 Thai Protesters A grenade blast at the prime minister’s compound in Bangkok has wounded 46 anti-government protesters, at least two critically, Reuters reports. A leader of the party leading the protest blamed pro-government forces for the attack, which comes as demonstrations at the Government House and Bangkok's international airport garner worldwide attention.  “If they shoot us, we'll shoot them back," said another party leader. "We will die if that makes the country better."
    More »

  • Thai Protesters Seize Second Airport

    Nov 27, 08 7:24 AM CST
    Thai Protesters Seize Second Airport The government of Thailand is considering imposing emergency rule after protesters seized a second airport in Bangkok today, grounding all flights, reports the Telegraph. Some 3,000 members of the People's Alliance for Democracy massed at the smaller Don Mueang airport to prevent ministers from flying to Chiang Mai, where PM Somchai Wongsawat held a cabinet meeting. The airport has also served as a makeshift office complex while protesters continue their siege of government buildings.
    More »

  • Thai Gen. Demands Elections After Explosions

    Nov 26, 08 3:20 AM CST
    Thai Gen. Demands Elections After Explosions Following a second explosion at a Bangkok airport seized by protesters, Thailand's top general today demanded that parliament be dissolved and new elections held. Gen Anupong Paochinda denied the move amounted to a coup, and insisted the government was still in control. He also ordered protesters to leave Bangkok's international airport. The location of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat was uncertain. He was supposed to land back in Thailand today following an international summit.
    More »

  • Thai Protesters Open Fire on Opponents

    Nov 25, 08 6:55 AM CST
    Thai Protesters Open Fire on Opponents Protesters in Thailand seeking to bring down the government opened fire on a group of political opponents along a blockaded highway today, Reuters reports. Television footage showed at least two guards from the so-called People's Alliance for Democracy firing 6 rounds at government supporters. The incident took place along a blockaded highway to a Bangkok airport, where ministers have had their offices since the PAD invaded government offices in August.
    More »

Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, center, talks with a monk as he leaves supreme court in Bangkok, Thailand Wednesday, March 12, 2008. Thaksin pleaded innocent in the Supreme Court in one...   (Associated Press)
Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, center, and his son Phantongtae, left, leave supreme court in Bangkok, Thailand Wednesday, March 12, 2008. Thaksin pleaded innocent in the Supreme Court...   (Associated Press)
Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, sits before a court session at supreme court in Bangkok, Thailand Wednesday, March 12, 2008. Thaksin pleaded innocent in the Supreme Court in one...   (Associated Press)
A supporter of deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra holds his portrait in front of supreme court in Bangkok, Thailand Wednesday, March 12, 2008. Thaksin pleaded innocent in the Supreme Court...   (Associated Press)
Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left bottom, shakes hands with his supporters as he leaves supreme court in Bangkok, Thailand Wednesday, March 12, 2008. Thaksin pleaded innocent in the...   (Associated Press)
Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra leaves supreme court in Bangkok, Thailand Wednesday, March 12, 2008. Thaksin pleaded innocent in the Supreme Court in one of two corruption cases against...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 1)

Tags

corruption • Thailand • real estate • Bangkok • Thaksin Shinawatra • coup • graft


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other World Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »