Thai court issues warrant for arrest of former premier Thaksin

“Thaksin failed to appear without notifying the court. His action shows an intention to escape,” said judge Thanan Wanagowit.

“The case is pending until he can be arrested,” he added.

Thai courts have issued a series of warrants for Thaksin for charges including terrorism -- an accusation linked to violent street protests in April and May by his supporters within the anti-government “Red Shirt” movement.

In the latest case, Thaksin faces allegations that he presented false asset declarations to the National Anti-Corruption Commission while in office.

The former telecoms tycoon was ousted in a bloodless military coup in 2006 and lives in self-imposed exile to avoid a prison jail imposed in absentia for corruption.

Thaksin is idolised by many Red Shirts for his populist policies, including cheap healthcare and village funds, but Thailand's elite see him as corrupt, authoritarian and a threat to the revered monarchy.

In February,Thailand's Supreme Court seized more than half of Thaksin's US$2.3-billion fortune after ruling that he had abused his power for personal gain.

Thailand's Department of Special Investigation said Thursday it had forwarded cases against 25 people linked to the Red Shirt protests, including Thaksin, to the attorney general, recommending they be indicted for terrorism.

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