April 30, 2008
BANGKOK - Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife will testify in person at their corruption trial in August over a controversial land purchase, according to their lawyer.
Pojaman Shinawatra is said to use her billionaire husband's political influence to buy a plot of prime Bangkok real estate from a government agency at one-third of its estimated value.
Lawyer Pichit Cheunban said the defence team would discuss what were the appropriate times for Thaksin and his wife to testify before the Supreme Court.
"They both will come to testify in August, the team will discuss when and whether they will come to the same hearing," Pichit told reporters.
"They are confident of their innocence," he added.
The Supreme Court will commence hearing witnesses for the prosecution in July.
Sakesan Bangsomboon, director general of Special Litigation, said prosecutors remained sure of their case.
"We are confident, the team has worked at full capacity without any pressure," he said.
"We will do our best," Sakesan added.
Thaksin and Pojaman have asked for their trials to proceed in their absence, citing business commitments, according to AFP.
They are also accused in a separate case of making fraudulent filings to securities regulators in 2003 when they listed a property firm on the local exchange.
Pojaman, her step-brother Banpot Damapong and her personal secretary Kanchanapa Honghern also face additional criminal charges of tax evasion.
Conviction on any of the charges could result in a prison sentence.
