Ratchadaphisek verdict to be given Sept 17

Ratchadaphisek verdict to be given Sept 17

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions is set to hand down its verdict in the alleged abuse of authority case related to the Ratchadaphisek land deal involving Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Khunying Potjaman, on Sept 17.

The court's panel of judges announced yesterday that it had heard sufficient testimony from both sides in the case for the panel to make a decision on the case, and that it will deliver a verdict on Sept 17.

Seksan Bangsombun, chief prosecutor in the case, said the prosecution team will meet on Aug 26 to draft their closing statement.

Once the draft has been approved by Attorney-General Chaikasem Nitisiri, the team will present it to the court.

Mr Seksan added he was confident the prosecution team's accusations against Mr Thaksin and his wife were backed by solid witness testimony and evidence gathered by the now-defunct Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC).

Anek Khamchum, a lawyer for the defendants, said his team has not decided whether to present its closing argument to the court as they still have until Sept 10 to make a decision on the matter.

Mr Anek said initially the team decided it would not present a closing argument as the clients had already withdrawn the team of lawyers from the case.

However, since the court had not allowed the withdrawal, they continued to represent Mr Thaksin and Khunying Potjaman as ordered by the court.