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Published on September 26, 2007

The Supreme Court yesterday suspended the judicial proceedings on the Ratchadaphisek land case until authorities can get the two fugitive defendants, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Khunying Pojaman, to attend the trial.

"Because the two defendants are a no-show, this court is unable to continue the proceedings until the two show up for the trial," the Supreme Court said in its ruling.

Because the case involves Thaksin's alleged abuse of power, it is under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court's Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holders, a fast-track court for graft violations.

At the start of yesterday's session, defence lawyer Pichit Chuenban submitted two writs to presiding judge Thonglor Chomngam.

In the first writ, the defence argued the two defendants were living in exile in London. It called for the cancellation of two warrants of arrest issued on July 10, on grounds that the two previous summonses for arraignment hearing were not served at the current address maintained by the defendants.

For the second writ, the defence opposed a trial in absentia on grounds that the defendants had not had a chance to hear and enter a plea on their charges.

Public prosecutors submitted a counter writ notifying that authorities were preparing to extradite the defendants within 90 days.

Commenting on the case suspension, chief prosecutor Seksan Bangsomboon said the ruling did not derail his preparations to try the two.

"On October 12, a team of prosecutors will travel to London to consult with their English counterparts paving way for the issuing of an extradition request to bring back Thaksin and Pojaman," Seksan said, voicing optimism about a successful extradition.

Pichit said his clients were happy with the ruling.

"Thaksin and Pojaman have confirmed that they will return to fight their charges after the general election and the installation of an elected government," he said.

In a related development, Assets Examination Commit-tee chairman Nam Yimyaem said yesterday that he would assist public prosecutors in an attempt to bring back the two in order to commence trial.

"The statue of limitations is 20 years and the two will have to keep running if they want to evade prosecution," he said.

The Nation