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Published on February 29, 2008

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is due to stand trial on March 12 for corruption charges related to the purchase of a prize block of land near Ratchadapisek Road. He has been released on bail of Bt8 million.

Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, along with ex-Thai Rak Thai executives and People Power Party MPs, plus his three children, Thaksin yesterday applied for bail. He proposed Bt10 million in cash to the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

A panel of three judges settled on bail of Bt8 million with a condition that Thaksin not leave the country without permission from the court.

He was also barred from carrying out any activities that could affect the trial adversely.

The judges then revoked the arrest warrant for him.

About 200 supporters gathered quietly outside. They obeyed a sign outside the court saying "Making a noise and disturbing the court could be a breach of court authority".

The Attorney-General indicted Thaksin and his wife Pojaman, accusing them of violating Articles 100 and 122 of the National Counter Corruption law and Articles 152 and 157 of the Criminal Code through the purchase of land worth Bt772 million from the Financial Institutions Development Fund.

Thaksin then went to the Office of Attorney General to face charges of violating the disclosure law in relation to SC Asset Corp Plc's shareholding structure. Three others suspects, namely Pensom Damapong, Busaba Damapong and Pojaman, had turned themselves in earlier.

Thaksin denied the charges and refused to give a statement to members of the Department of Special Investigation, saying he would only testify in court.

The former PM was then released on further bail of Bt1 million with the condition he report to public prosecutors when he wants to leave the country.

Seksan Bangsombun, director-general of the Office of Special Litigation, said public prosecutors would decide on whether to indict the four on April 3.

Thaksin's lawyer, Kitiporn Adulrat, said his team might ask the Attorney-General

to investigate more witnesses.

About 200 people gathered outside in a show of support for the former PM, chanting "Thaksin, Thaksin" and raising their three fingers in a sign of "I love you".

Kesinee Taengkhio

The Nation