Thaksin accused of hurting Thailand

BANGKOK, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, back in his exile in England, came under attack in his country for criticizing its judiciary.

Thaksin and his wife, Khunying Potjaman, fled to England after failing to appear in a Bangkok court to face corruption charges. In a hand-written statement faxed Monday to Thai television stations, Thaksin said he and his wife would stay in England and political interference in his country would prevent him from getting a fair trial, Voice of America reported.

Thaksin denied the corruption charges against him and his wife.

Thaksin's statement has damaged Thailand's reputation, Thai Supreme Commander Gen. Boonsrang Niempradit and opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said, the Bangkok Post reported.

"His Majesty the King recognizes highly the importance of the judiciary … The public should follow him," the general said.

Abhisit questioned how Thaksin could bring lawsuits against other people if he had no faith in the judiciary, the report said.

Potjaman was convicted last month of tax evasion and had been out on bail on a three-year jail sentence. She and her husband were to appear in court to face other charges. They face arrest warrants and have forfeited their $325,000 bail money.

Thaksin was previously forced into exile after the military ousted him in 2006. He returned to the country in March after his political allies in the People Power Party came to power following elections.