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Fugitive Thai PM Divorces

Split thought to shelter couple's assets as UK boots Thaksin; may have fled to Dubai

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 17, 2008 6:07 AM CST

(Newser) – Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand, has divorced his wife Potjaman—a fellow fugitive—after 32 years of marriage, reports the Financial Times. Thaksin is said to have left London for Dubai after the British government revoked their visas, citing their convictions on tax evasion and conflict of interest. Thai political analysts have speculated that the couple divorced for financial reasons, as most of their assets are in Potjaman's name.

Thaksin won two elections in Thailand before his 2006 ouster in a military coup. Since the resumption of democracy his allies have controlled the government; the current prime minister is Thaksin's brother-in-law. Opponents of the former leader continue to occupy Bangkok's government buildings and have vowed to continue their protest until the current administration resigns.

In this July 14, 2006 file photo, ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand, right, and his wife Pojaman,left, attend Thai Rak Thai Party in Bangkok, Thailand. Thaksin and Pojaman, who married... (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

In this Feb. 28, 2008, file photo, former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra smiles as he greets supporters a the Bangkok airport, on his return from exile. (AP Photo/David Longstreath, File)

Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand and his wife Pojaman, left, arrive at criminal court in Bangkok. The pair divorced this weekend, although their whereabouts are unknown. (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong, File)

Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to speak from overseas exile to his supporters at Rajamangala national stadium in Bangkok, Thailand Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra cheer during a rally at Rajamangala national stadium in Bangkok, Thailand Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)

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Fugitive Thai PM Divorces

Split thought to shelter couple's assets as UK boots Thaksin; may have fled to Dubai

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Protesters Will Leave Bangkok Airports

PAD announces end to demonstrations; flights will resume soon

Grenade Blast Hurts 46 Thai Protesters

PAD blames pro-government forces, says it's willing to die for cause

Thai Protesters Seize Second Airport

All flights grounded; government mulls emergency rule

Thai Gen. Demands Elections After Explosions

Hey denies move amounts to coup

Thai Protesters Open Fire on Opponents

Shots fired at civilians as 6-month protest turns violent

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Split thought to shelter couple's assets as UK boots Thaksin; may have fled to Dubai

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

divorce • Thailand • Bangkok • Thaksin Shinawatra • People's Alliance for Democracy • Somchai Wongsawat

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Protesters Will Leave Bangkok Airports

PAD announces end to demonstrations; flights will resume soon

Grenade Blast Hurts 46 Thai Protesters

PAD blames pro-government forces, says it's willing to die for cause

Thai Protesters Seize Second Airport

All flights grounded; government mulls emergency rule

Thai Gen. Demands Elections After Explosions

Hey denies move amounts to coup

Thai Protesters Open Fire on Opponents

Shots fired at civilians as 6-month protest turns violent

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