Criminal Wanted: Thaksin and Pojamarn

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in the UK last week

A corruption case against ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife will go ahead even though they have fled to the UK, a Thai court has ruled.

Lawyers for the couple had argued proceedings should be suspended because they were no longer living in Thailand.

But the court said the case - related to a Bangkok land sale - should proceed with the couple in absentia.

Mr Thaksin flew to the UK last week, saying he feared he would not receive a fair trial in Thailand.

The telecommunications billionaire faces a raft of corruption allegations there and a court recently sentenced his wife to three years in jail.

Mr Thaksin has repeatedly denied the allegations, which he says are an attempt to remove him from politics.

The former prime minister had only returned to Thailand in February, 18 months after the military ousted him in a coup.

The Supreme Court said there was no reason to suspend proceedings against Mr Thaksin and his wife.

"The court still has jurisdiction to proceed with the case and there is no reason to dismiss the case," Chief Judge Tonglor Chomngarm said.

Thai authorities say they are considering an extradition request for the former leader, who owns Manchester City football club.

Earlier in the week Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag said Thailand would cancel Mr Thaksin's diplomatic passport "as soon as possible" - in what analysts say could be a first step towards seeking his extradition.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7563720.stm