Ex Thai Leader
Thaksin Forfeits Fortune
Former
Thailand Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra and his family are
to forfeit more than half of a contested $2.3bn fortune.
Thailand's Supreme Court ruled on Friday that $1.4bn of
the assets were gained illegally through conflict of interest
when Mr. Thaksin was prime minister.
The funds were frozen after Mr. Thaksin's elected government was
overthrown in a military coup in 2006.
Mr Thaksin, who is living abroad, has denied any wrongdoing.
It was not yet clear if the outstanding $900m will be
returned to him.
The court verdict was delivered amid tight security, as forces
were placed on high alert. Government had predicted violence by
Mr. Thaksin's red-shirted supporters if the court decision went
against him.
BBC/Yinka
