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The ousted prime minister's lawyers had told the court earlier their clients informed them they no longer required their services.

Chief Justice Tonglor Chongarm praised the lawyers for "not misbehaving".

Thaksin and Pojaman skipped bail last week on corruption charges related to the purchase of a prime block on Ratchadaphisek Road.

They are being tried in absentia.

"The court thinks it commendable you have carried out your duties and with no misbehaviour," said Justice Tonglor. The court said the team remained bona fide representatives of the defendants.

Last week, the court reprimanded the couple for dispensing of its counsel, saying it was a ploy to undermine the case.

The defence team repeated yesterday that the couple no longer required its services. However, as per the court's instructions, it called seven witnesses.

They were quizzed predominately by the nine-member court.

Bank of Thailand Governor Tarisa Watanagase told the court deals done by the Financial Institutions Development Fund did not require prime ministerial or ministerial permission.

The defendants are accused of abusing their position to purchase land from the Fund at a cut price.

Justice Tonglor asked Land and Houses' executive Veerapong Uthanont if the defendants had a "cosy" relationship with the firm. "Close or not, I don't know," he said.

The trial resumes on Friday.