that Somchai, also known as Kamnan Poh, had not been admitted to the hospital.His lawyer, Sa-nga Thana-sanguanwongse, told the court Somchai was suffering from blood clots in his brain and weakened limbs and was being forced to use a respirator. He supported his claim with a medical certificate.
The Supreme Court postponed the hearing to March 23. If it upholds the rulings of two lower courts, Somchai will face five years and four months in jail for masterminding corrupt land deals worth Bt93 million.
Somchai is also accused of hiring hit men to murder his business rival, Prayoon Sitichote, in 2003.
In 2004, Somchai was sentenced to 25 years in prison for this offence. A year later, the Appeals Court upheld the lower court's decision. The Supreme Court has yet to set a date for its ruling on the case.
Somchai is free on Bt20-million bail.
