Saxena's bail plea rejected, in court custody

Arriving around midnight on Friday amidst extensive media attention and protection by police commandos, Saxena faced an interrogation that went on until dawn, following a two-hour medical check-up at the Police General Hospital, where he managed to sleep for three hours.

Saxena's request for immediate hospital treatment was turned down after police doctors checked his condition and said he would in any case be under hospital care at Bangkok Remand Prison.

He was taken to the prison at 4pm to begin an initial 12-day detention.

Placed in a communal cell, he did not touch the prison meal but drank water and ate some fruit. He did not speak to his cellmates, including some English speakers who had been reassigned to his cell to help with translation.

Saxena wore the same blue suit he had had on since his flight landed, and remained in a wheelchair as he was taken from the airport to Police General Hospital. He was then taken to CSD headquarters, followed by the courthouse and the remand prison.

He was later assigned to the prison hospital for close monitoring by doctors. He has been given a prison handbook and all his meals are being inspected.

Corrections Department director-general Chartchai Sutthiklom said a special room had been arranged to accommodate visits by Saxena's relatives and lawyers, but this was not a special privilege for the financier. "It is a measure concerning safety and general accommodation to prevent possible criticism from other countries about the mistreatment of inmates in Thai prisons," he said.

Prison commander Sophon Thitithammaphruek said it was possible Saxena would not be taken to the courthouse for a preliminary hearing on Monday, as he could respond to the indictment via videoconferencing.