It will be reviewed by the Constitution Tribunal in lieu of his appearance on the witness stand, Somsak said.

"As Thaksin has opted to testify in writing, it is now up to prosecutors to decide whether to ask him any questions, and the defence is prepared to cross-examine via video conference," he said, confirming his client would not end his exile at this juncture.

Somsak also summed up a key argument in his client's statement as outlining Thaksin's verbal and written instructions for electoral candidates and party officials to strictly abide by electoral rules.

... and will speak in London

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is scheduled to speak at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a London-based political-military think tank.

According to IISS's website, Thaksin will give an address on "Democracy at a Crossroads" in London next Friday.

Although Thaksin says he has quit politics, critics have seen his public-relations blitz abroad - including the hiring of powerful lobbyist firms in the United States - as an attempt re-establish his image and boost his international standing.

We didn't break law: King Power

King Power International Group has insisted it did not break the public/private joint-venture law after being awarded the City Garden project concession at Suvarnabhumi Airport, a company source said.

The source said it was the Airports of Thailand's previous board of directors who had awarded the contract without first obtaining Cabinet approval, even though the concession was worth more than Bt1 billion.

"If we are to demolish the construction, AOT will have to pay us Bt300 million," the source said.

Nine injured by sports-field bomb

Eight soldiers and one teacher were seriously hurt when a bomb exploded in Narathiwat's Sungai Padi district yesterday, police said. The bomb was hidden near a sports field at a military outpost and was detonated while eight soldiers were playing Takraw and a teacher was standing nearby.

Meanwhile, a driveby shooting in Pattani's Sai Buri district injured Masohri Yusoh, 20, while he was riding a motorbike home from his work.