Fugitive Thaksin eyes Fiji as shelter : reports

Frank Bainimarama (bbc.co.uk)

Fiji radio quoted sources as saying Thaksin and his entourage were accorded full VIP treatment.

Meanwhile the Australian online reported Thursday the subject of their discussions, held in Bainimarama's office in Suva on Monday, is unknown, but informed sources in Fiji claimed Thaksin was considering investing $300million in the country.

In return, he would probably be assured safety there from extradition, if he should choose to use Fiji as one of his bases in exile. Thaksin is particularly looking for countries that do not have extradition treaties with Thailand. Fiji and Tonga seemed to fit the bill.

Thaksin used an assumed name to enter Fiji, although his true identity was known to the authorities, who approved his visit in advance.

After his meetings here on Monday, he spent the night at Suva's luxurious Holiday Inn hotel before he flew off on Tuesday.

The Thai government has cancelled Thaksin's Thai passport, and says he is currently using a passport issued by Montenegro.

Thaksin was believed to be heading next for Tonga and then to Port Vila in Vanuatu, which is tomorrow hosting the annual meeting of the heads of the Melanesian Spearhead Group of countries -- Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.

The MSG meeting is important for Bainimarama because he will not be able to attend this year's Pacific Islands Forum summit in Cairns in August, as Fiji has been suspended from the Pacific body.

The Fiji economy is in considerable trouble, with tourism in a downward spiral globally as a result of the economic downturn, and with the other major industry, sugar, suffering from the withdrawal of subsidies from the European Union following the failure of the Fiji government to announce elections.

Noppadon Patama, Thaksin's legal adviser, earlier claimed the stopover in Kuala Lumpur was merely in order to refuel the jet.

He said there was no attempt to arrest him in Malaysia. He said foreign leaders were willing to welcome Mr Thaksin because they understood the charges against him were politically motivated.