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Udom Fuengfung, former chairman of the AEC subcommittee examining the Ratchadaphisek land purchase by Thaksin's wife Pojaman, said the AEC had done everything by the due process of law and without bias.

Udom said the trial at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office would likely proceed in the absence of Thaksin and Pojaman and would have a legal validity of 20 years. The freeze on Bt69 billion of Thaksin's assets will continue.

"The many excuses he made [in London] sounded like those of a bully. He must realise he can no longer buy [people in the judiciary] and must accept his fate. Robbers never believe they are wrong but blame the law for making them guilty," Udom said.

Former AEC spokesman Sak Kosaengruang said the claim that Thaksin is facing threats against his life did not hold water, as the pro-Thaksin People Power Party are currently in power. Also, Thaksin has never previously made any complaint that any of the judges are biased against him.

Thaksin should clarify in writing why the Thai judicial system is not "just", otherwise the system will lose its credibility in the eyes of the world, said Vicha Mahakhun, a member of the junta-appointed National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC).

Vicha believes Thaksin's claim that the judiciary system is "unfair" was made so Thaksin could gain political exile. He added that he was not too surprised at this latest development.

Vicha said the NCCC cases against Thaksin has already been taken up by the courts and Thaksin still has the right to reply in writing.He added that the NCCC had handled all cases against the former premier without any personal bias.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party chief Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that he did not buy Thaksin's claim that the judiciary is partial, as Thaksin himself sued many of his opponents. He said Thaksin should not taint the reputation of the courts in front of the world by making such allegations.

"Thaksin himself filed several court cases [against his opponents]. If he doesn't believe in the judicial process, why did he sue [others]? This point must be clarified to the world. Do not distort things to aid your escape, for personal gain, and to destroy a national institution. It's inappropriate.

"As for the claim that his safety is at risk, I haven't see him harmed since he returned earlier this year," said Abhisit.