"The government will not interfere with the legal proceedings and will confine itself to ensuring the dispensation of justice to all parties concerned, including Thaksin," he said.

He said authorities have relevant laws, international agreements and precedents to follow when the time comes to seek the extradition request on Thaksin, although his government would not get involved in the matter.

In regard to speculation about Thaksin seeking political asylum, he said the issue has not come up yet.

Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas said Thaksin should fight the  charges against him without delay, otherwise he will face an uncertain future.

"The sooner Thaksin can overcome his legal wrangles, the sooner he can move on with his life," Boonrawd said.

He said the ousted premier should face up to reality rather than try to making excuses and unjustified reasons not to return, such as safety concerns and unfavourable circumstances.

Assets Examination Committee chairman Nam Yimyaem said he had signed the document which asks the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Immigration Bureau and the Royal Thai Police's Foreign Affairs Division to locate the current addresses of.

He said he would discuss the case with AEC members in their session next Monday.

As per the special court's instruction on Wednesday, public prosecutors needed to specify Thaksin's and Pojaman's current addresses in order to move forward with the judicial proceedings on the Ratchadapisek land case

by Piyanart Srivalo,

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan

The Nation