March 10, 2008
BANGKOK - Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday vowed not to interfere in the trial of then-premier Thaksin Shinawatra who is due to face corruption charges in court this week.
"He (Thaksin) is coming back to face trial this week. People said be careful, this government should not interfere with the justice system," Prime Minister Samak said on his weekly television address.
"This government would not dare to interfere with justice," he said.
Thaksin returned to Thailand on February 28.
Thaksin is due to appear in court on March 12 concerning charges of using his political office to win a property deal for his wife.
He said on Thursday that he would ask the Supreme Court to grant him permission to travel to Britain on March 13.
If Thaksin is allowed to leave Thailand, he will have to return for an April 3 appearance before prosecutors regarding a securities fraud case.
The People's Alliance for Democracy has vowed to take to the streets against any perceived interference with the courts, according to AFP.
