Chief justices convict Thaksin

The Banished Thai Former Prime Minister Thaksin has been found guilty of abuse of power by chief justices in Bangkok. During his reign in the years 2001 – 2006, he abused his power to get richer. This ruled it today Thai Supreme Court in the capital and can be read in the Telegraaf. The verdict was broadcast on Thai radio and television.

Thaksin Shinawatra has been living in Dubai for some time. He was overthrown by the Thai army on September 19, 2006 after a coup d'état. The assets of the telecommunications giant Shin Corporation, a Thai company owned by Thaksin and his family, were frozen that year. The Supreme Court decided in a long session today what should happen with Thaksin's assets.

The nine chief justices concluded, among other things, that Thaksin, as prime minister, arranged a tax benefit for himself on the sale of Shin Corporation in 2006 to a state-owned company. The Prime Minister's actions caused the Thai state at least 1,33 billion euros in damage. The judges also unanimously ruled that Thaksin and his then-wife Potjaman Shin Corp lied about owning shares during his two terms as prime minister.

Thousands of police and army units were deployed across the country on Judgment Day to prevent Thaksin supporters from causing disturbances. More than 450 riot police guarded the court. There were only a dozen “Red Shirts” at the court and about 100 protesters at another location in Bangkok.

The ruling does not come as a surprise, however. It will become clear in the coming days whether this ruling will lead to demonstrations and disturbances in Thailand. The UDD, the party that supports Thaksin, have already announced next month mass demonstrations hold. The red shirts want the current government to pack its bags.