Pojaman verdict was key

Recent developments in the lead-up to Thaksin's departure; how speculation turned into reality:

July 31: Rumours that Thaksin will flee overseas rise after his wife Pojaman was sentenced to three years in jail for tax evasion.

August 1: Thaksin flies to Japan and Beijing the next day.

August 5: Pojaman, her broth-er Bhanapot Damapong and her secretary Kanchanapa Honghern quietly fly out of Thailand to Beijing to join Thaksin. The scene at Suvarnabhumi Airport convinced observers the Shinawatras were leaving. They were seen to carry several bags and their children Panthongtae, Pinthongta and Paethongarn broke down in tears as they farewelled their mother.

August 8: Thaksin and Pojaman book seats on a flight from Beijing back to Bangkok for August 10 (Sunday evening).

August 9: Their three children and Kanchanapa leave Thailand for London with 14 bags weighing 360 kilos. Everything seemed clear then.

August 10: Thaksin and Pojaman fail get their flight back from Beijing, which was due to arrive in Bangkok at 9.45pm. Instead they flew to join their kids in London.

August 11: Thaksin faxes a hand-written statement to the NBT television, giving reasons why they opted not to return to Thailand. He said he and his family were in England.

However, some people doubted whether Thaksin's handwritten statement was real, as it was sent to media from Pullman King Power hotel in Soi Rang Nam, not directly from London.

This hotel, known for its con-nections with top politicians, has become a popular hangout for power brokers from various factions and par-ties. The new political group known as the "Gang of Four", led by PM Samak Sundaravej and Newin Chidchob always met there.

No one knew for sure when Thaksin made his decision to flee. Neither close relatives nor his lawyer let on that they knew about this.

A source close to Thaksin said at first Thaksin did not want to flee abroad but the court verdict on Pojaman's tax evasion case made him re-evaluate things.

"I (my cases) may end up like my wife," Thaksin was quoted as saying.

Another source said nobody thought Thaksin would opt to flee as Thaksin always said he wanted to clear his name in court.

However from his statement, one gets the impression this is not the end of Thaksin.

"I may be not a perfect man but I reaffirm that I'm not as bad as some accused of being. When the right time comes I will reveal the whole truth. Today is not my day. Please be patient….all my supporters."

He appears set to wait for a chance to strike back.