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The verdict in the case might not be the end of pro- and anti-government rallies. But while people have differing perceptions of what would happen next, every one agrees that the verdict will be a historic one.

All problems in Thailand are seen by many as masterminded by Thaksin. The People Power Party (PPP) MPs, and former Thai Rak Thai Party execs, have tried to discredit the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) and organisations appointed, or linked to the 2006 coup-makers.

The government's plan to amend the Constitution, the suppression of anti-government protests of the People's Alliance for Democracy, the rise of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) and even the conflicts on the Thai-Cambodian border have all been attributed to Thaksin's manoeuvring behind the scenes.

Some time back, a team of Thaksin's lawyers were jailed for attempts to bribe Supreme Court officials with Bt2 million concealed in a box of chocolates. There have been warnings about people mobilising to cause chaos before the day of the verdict.

The UK Home Office earlier this month confirmed Thaksin and Pojaman had sought asylum, after jumping bail in the Ratchadaphisek land-purchase case. The ex-premier claimed that he would not get a fair trial in the corruption charges against him.

Any turmoil, chaos or political problems in Thailand could add weight to Thaksin's claims for asylum.

Although it is hard to gauge what the court's verdict could be, both Thaksin's supporters and anti-Thaksin groups say the verdict is unlikely be in his favour.

However, if the court rules Thaksin not guilty, he would still have more cases to defend.

Thammasat University lecturer Prinya Thaewanarumitkul said if Thaksin is found guilty and sentenced without probation, at least, his move abroad would be limited when his status becomes that of a criminal. He cannot meet leaders or conduct business as before. And if Thaksin is behind the PPP as accused, the party, or its successors, would certainly be affected.

About the impact on the public, Prinya said, it could lead Thai politics in a new direction. He said all sides must accept the verdict by the court. But the likely reactions are unpredictable.

Chulalongkorn University political scientist Trakul Meechai said a verdict against Thaksin would serve as a warning to politicians.

It is too late for any attempt to scrap the case. And the verdict could be a critical point for Thai politics, Trakul said. Thaksin's supporters have discredited the AEC and said all along that Thaksin was treated unfairly. If the verdict goes against Thaksin, they could start to feel suspicious about Thaksin and his group. However, PPP MPs and the DAAD might beef up their moves.

Meanwhile, PPP MP Kudeb Saikrachang said the verdict would change nothing in the political situation as the verdict against Thaksin has been expected. Thaksin was the target of the 2006 coup-makers and the AEC, which filed many cases against him. Even if the verdict for this case says Thaksin was not guilty, there are many more cases to come.

Thaksin's decision to seek asylum was for the sake of the country and he showed his intention not to get involved in Thai politics, he said.

The only merit of the verdict could be clarity, Kudeb said. It would confirm that Thaksin cannot get involved in Thai politics any more.