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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Former Thai PM Skips Bail, Flees to UK

Facing graft charges, Thaksin escapes after attending Olympics

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(Newser) – Thaksin Shinawatra, the deposed Thai prime minister, has fled with his family to Britain after skipping a hearing on corruption charges, reports the AFP. Thaksin and his wife, who was recently convicted of tax evasion, were both free on bail and had received special permission to travel to China for the Olympics. A judge has issued arrest warrants for the former first couple.

"Obvious judicial interference and double standards caused me and my family to receive no justice," said Thaksin in a statement. Although the army ousted Thaksin in 2006, he remains Thailand's most powerful figure, and his allies swept back into power when democracy was restored last December. The billionaire PM spent most of his 2 years in exile in Britain, where he owns a leading soccer team. He had returned to Thailand to face charges of graft and abuse of power.

Thailand's ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman arrive at criminal court for a verdict in Bangkok, Thailand.
Thailand's ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman arrive at criminal court for a verdict in Bangkok, Thailand.   (AP Photo)
Deposed Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra leaves the criminal court in Bangkok after his wife Pojaman Shinawatra was found guilty of evading millions of dollars in taxes and sentenced to three years.
Deposed Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra leaves the criminal court in Bangkok after his wife Pojaman Shinawatra was found guilty of evading millions of dollars in taxes and sentenced to three years.   (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Thousands of supporters of the People Alliance for Democracy stage a protest in front of Thailand's national police headquarters in Bangkok.
Thousands of supporters of the People Alliance for Democracy stage a protest in front of Thailand's national police headquarters in Bangkok.   (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Thai anti-government demonstrators march on Thailand's Government House Friday, June 20, 2008.
Thai anti-government demonstrators march on Thailand's Government House Friday, June 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Former Thailand's Prime Minister and owner of Manchester City football club Thaksin Shinawatra makes a speech during the opening ceremony of the club store in Bangkok, Thailand Friday, May 16, 2008.
Former Thailand's Prime Minister and owner of Manchester City football club Thaksin Shinawatra makes a speech during the opening ceremony of the club store in Bangkok, Thailand Friday, May 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)
Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks to the media after meeting in Hong Kong Saturday, July 7, 2007.
Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks to the media after meeting in Hong Kong Saturday, July 7, 2007.   (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
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