Ex-premier Thaksin won't appeal Ratchada land case conviction

BANGKOK, Nov 18 (TNA) - Thailand's ousted prime minister Thaksin
Shinawatra, convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment in absentia
in a landmark case involving charges of irregularities in a land purchase
deal, will not appeal the court ruling, his lawyer said Tuesday.

Lawyer Kamnuan Chalopatham said he had telephoned Mr. Thaksin--now in
Dubai--to see if he would appeal the ruling handed down by the Supreme
Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on October 21
which sentenced him to two years imprisonment in absentia while his then
wife Pojaman was set free in the case.

The constitution allows for an appeal to be lodged with the court within
30 days of reading the verdict, on condition that new witnesses or new
evidence can be produced which might alter the outcome of the case.

Mr. Thaksin, ousted from power in a bloodless coup on Sept 19, 2006, must
appeal by Wednesday.

According to Mr. Kamnuan, the convicted former prime minister said he
would not appeal the ruling and that he would explain his reasons to his
supporters in Thailand within a few days.

However, if Mr. Thaksin changes course and decides to appeal, the legal
team is ready as it has already prepared the necessary documents, Mr.
Kamnuan said.

Mr. Thaksin was found guilty of violating Articles 100 and 122 of the
National Counter Corruption Act. The law bars government officials,
including prime ministers and their spouses, from involvement in or having
interests in contracts with government agencies under their supervision.

Both the land and money amounting Bt772 million spent to buy the 33 rai
(13.2 acre) parcel of land in Bangkok's prime Ratchadapisek business area
by Mrs. Pojaman will be unfrozen, according to the ruling.

In other development, Jatuporn Prompan, a staunch Thaksin supporter, said
the former premier will address his supporters in a telephone speech on
December 14 to declare his future plans. (TNA)