Arrest warrant for Thaksin

Thaksin Shinawatra

BANGKOK - A judge in Thailand has issued warrants for the arrest of the country's former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, and his wife after the couple - currently living in London - failed to appear in court to face corruption charges.

Supreme Court judge Tonglor Choam-ngam said the court had "reason to believe that they are evading prosecution". He fixed the next hearing for the case in six weeks time.

Thaksin, who was overthrown by a coup last September, said in a statement, : "I am aware of the decision in Thailand. I shall consult with my legal advisers and make an announcement in due course."

- Independent