Repeat: Thaksin could be arrested

Bangkok (dpa)

Thailand's deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Potjaman must return by late next week or face arrest warrants, a senior police official reiterated on Sunday.

The state-run Thai News Agency (TNA) quoted Department of Special Investigations director-general Sunai Manomai-udom as saying police would issue arrest warrants for the couple if they fail to return before Friday (June 29).

Mr Thaksin, who was ousted from his premiership by a military coup staged last Sept 19 on corruption charges, is currently in London, finalising a multi-million dollar deal to purchase the Manchester City Football Club.

In Thailand, legal cases meanwhile are piling up against the billionaire politician.

Last week the DSI announced that Thaksin and his wife had to return to the country between June 26 to 29 to hear charges brought against them of concealing their shareholding while Thaksin was premier of SC Assets, a real estate company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Thaksin, through his lawyer in Bangkok, has indicated that he will not return to Thailand this month because he fears for his personal safety and doubts the fairness of Thailand's judiciary. He may however send representatives to hear the DSI charges on his behalf.

Sunai noted that Thaksin had no need to fear for his security as Thailand's military-appointed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont had personally pledged to assure his safety.

Thaksin and Khunying Potjaman have allegedly violated regulations requiring them to disclose corporate information to the stock market.

Thaksin has also been charged with holding shares in publicly listed companies despite a prohibition against serving cabinet members doing so.

If found guilty, the ex-premier and his wife face a maximum jail term of five years and a fine equivalent to twice the value of the shares they had traded.

"So far, none of the accused have sent representatives or sought postponement on appearing before the DSI," said Sunai.

The original DSI summons, however, ordered Mr Thaksin and relatives to appear between Tuesday and Friday.