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Thailand Orders Arrest of Ex-PM

By Heather McPherson,  Newser User

Posted Aug 14, 2007 5:50 PM CDT
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(Newser) – After failing to appear in a Bangkok court to hear charges that he abused power while in office, Thailand's deposed PM is now a fugitive of justice. The country's Supreme Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Thaksin Shinawatra, who took refuge with his wife in England last year after he was ousted in a bloodless military coup.

The court appearance has been rescheduled for September 25, and a second no-show could result in extradition charges, the BBC reports. Thaksin is accused, among other corruption charges, of setting up a shady land deal to benefit his wife. A rich tycoon before he took office, Thaksin is now the owner of a premier UK soccer club.

Manchester City's new Chairman Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, waves to supporters of his team before their pre-season friendly soccer match against Valencia at The City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, England, Saturday Aug. 4, 2007. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester City's new Chairman Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, waves to supporters of his team before their pre-season friendly soccer match against Valencia at The City of...   (Associated Press)
Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks to the media after meeting in Hong Kong Saturday, July 7, 2007. Thaksin's purchase of an English Premier League soccer team was a business deal that may also help him politically in Thailand, analysts said Saturday. Thaksin, who was ousted in a bloodless...
Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks to the media after meeting in Hong Kong Saturday, July 7, 2007. Thaksin's purchase of an English Premier League soccer team was a business deal that...   (Associated Press)
Manchester City's new Chairman Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, speaks to an inidentified female companion before his team's pre-season friendly soccer match against Valencia at The City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, England, Saturday Aug. 4, 2007. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester City's new Chairman Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, speaks to an inidentified female companion before his team's pre-season friendly soccer match against Valencia...   (Associated Press)
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Extradition request would have little hope of success
Guardian (UK)

Couple has acknowledged the charge
Times (UK)

 
Thailand • corruption • extradition • Thaksin Shinawatra • military coup • tycoon • scandal

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