Chuwit and 130 other suspects are facing charges relating to the bulldozing of bars and shops in Sukhumvit Square in early 2003.

According to witnesses, the incident took place at about 4am on January 26, 2003. Following the bulldozing, well-built men allegedly cordoned off the area, barring the business owners from returning to see what was left.

Chuwit was labelled the project's mastermind because he had bought the land at Sukhumvit Square but failed to persuade the existing businesses to relocate.

Other high-profile defendants include Lt-Colonel Himalai Phewphan, of the Supreme Command, and Army Major Thanyathep Thamathorn.

Based on testimonies from more than 400 witnesses, prosecutors accused Chuwit and his accomplices of damaging property, intrusion, illegal detention and forcing others to act against their will.

There were 103 plaintiffs in the case, who demanded Bt103 million in compensation and maximum penalties for the defendants.

The bar demolition allegation briefly landed Chuwit in jail, after which he transformed himself into a crusader against injustice. He has since exposed bribery among police officers and prison wardens, triggering widespread investigations and the punishment of many officers.

Chuwit then ran for Bangkok governor and late entered national politics and became the deputy leader of Chat Thai Party.

But in January this year, he was disqualified as an MP because he had not been a member of the party for the minimum of 90 days when he ran in the election.