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Thaksin won’t return home

LONDON: The former Thailand Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, has decided to defy the arrest warrant issued against him by Thailand’s Supreme Court and not return home, sparking speculation he might seek political asylum here.

In a statement, Mr. Thaksin, who has been living mostly in the U.K. since he was ousted in a military coup in 2006, alleged he had decided not to return as his “political enemies in Thailand” were out to get him.

“What happened to me and my family and my close relations resulted from efforts to get rid of me from politics. These are my political enemies. They don’t care about the rule of law, facts or internationally recognised due process,” he said.

Mr. Thaksin, who is facing corruption charges and was due to appear in court on Monday, apologised to the people of Thailand for his decision not to return, saying: “If I am fortunate enough, I will return and die on Thai soil, just like other Thais.” His wife, who is on bail after she was jailed for three years for tax fraud, was also to appear before the Supreme Court on Monday.

The statement said she would also not return.

Mr. Thaksin owns several properties in the U.K., including the Manchester City Football Club.

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