Former Thai PM praises ‘English democracy’
The former prime minister of Thailand has vowed to stay in England, where “democracy is more important”.
In a statement released today, Thaksin Shinawatra said: “My wife and I will stay in England where democracy is more important.”
The former prime minister and his wife Pojaman both face a series of corruption charges instigated by the military junta which overthrew him in 2006.
Mr Thaksin has repeatedly claimed the charges are politically motivated and represent an attempt to remove him from politics.
“What happened to me and my family and my close relations resulted from efforts to get rid of me from politics,” his statement declared.
“These are my political enemies. They don’t care about the rule of law, facts or internationally recognised due process.”
Thailand’s supreme court has issued an arrest warrant for the former prime minister.
Mr Thaksin had been scheduled to appear at a Bangkok court on Monday but failed to attend.
The 59-year-old is currently on bail over corruption charges.
His wife, Pojaman, is also currently on bail after she was sentenced last month to three years in jail for tax fraud.
