The Criminal Court today rejected former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s request to travel to Indonesia to attend an ASEAN meeting, stating that there are no adequate reasons to allow him to leave the country.
In his request, Thaksin stated that he wanted to travel to Jakarta to attend an ASEAN meeting as a personal advisor to the ASEAN chairman, Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim.
He also attached an invitation letter from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Thaksin was released on bail on June 17 last year, pending trial on a lèse majesté charge, on the condition that he does not leave the country without court approval.
This is Thaksin’s third attempt to travel abroad since being charged.
In August last year, the Criminal Court rejected his request to travel to Dubai for medical treatment, stating that he could receive adequate care from doctors in Thailand.
In January, the court permitted him to travel to Malaysia to participate in a meeting with Anwar as the ASEAN chair’s personal advisor. He submitted the request with Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa as a supporting witness.
The court required him to place a 5 million baht cash bond and ordered him to report back in person within three days of his return.
