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Published on March 13, 2008

"I denied all charges and will submit my statement in writing to the court," he said, after entering his plea.

The arraignment was swift, lasting a mere 20 minutes amid tight security provided by 200 policemen and five sniffer dogs. Thaksin remained solemn throughout.

Judge Thonglo Chomngam presided over the session at 9.30am. After calling his court to order, he read out the charges to Thaksin.

Thaksin has been accused of committing a crime under the National Counter Corruption Act when he was the prime minister between 2001 and 2006.

Thaksin has been charged with abusing his office to condone the purchase by wife Pojaman of a Ratchadaphisek plot at Bt772 million, which was lower than the market price.

The Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF), a state enterprise, which was the custodian of the land, was under his supervision.

He has also been accused of abusing his mandate to supervise the FIDF to enrich himself and others.

Thaksin has been indicted under Articles 4, 100 and 122 of the NCCC Act, and Articles 33, 83, 86, 90,96, 152 and 157 of the Criminal Code.

Following his not-guilty plea, the presiding judge proceeded to review and approve a defence request for the trial proceedings to be conducted in-absentia, freeing Thaksin and Pojaman from having to attend every court session.

The judge is scheduled to examine the evidence from the prosecution and the defence on April 29-30.

On Tuesday, the defence submitted a 121-page writ to rebut the charges. Among its witnesses are two former prime ministers, Chuan Leekpai and Banharn Silapa-archa.

Thaksin's spokesman Pongthep Thepkanchana said the defence would ask Chuan and Banharn to shed light on the prime minister's duties with regard to the FIDF.

Defence lawyer Pichit Chuenban was confident about winning an acquittal for Thaksin and Pojaman. He also anticipated a speedy trial because the co-defendants were not required to attend the proceedings.

A crowd of about 400 supporters were on hand to lend moral support to Thaksin. About 200 filled the courtroom while the others lined up outside the building to greet him.

Well-wishers included allies and former Cabinet members, such as Chidchai Vanasatidya, Prommin Lertsuridej and Varathep Ratanakorn. He was also accompanied by his son Panthongtae and his two sisters, Yaowapha Wongsawat and Yingluck Shinawatra.

With the court's approval, Thaksin plans to leave tomorrow for England to attend to the affairs of his Manchester City Football Club. He will then start a lecture tour of foreign universities beginning at Tokashoku University in Japan.

The Nation