[JURIST] Four Thai prosecutors traveled to London Friday to discuss the extradition of ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra [BBC profile; JURIST news archive] on corruption charges [JURIST report], in order to discuss what evidence is necessary in UK courts to extradite Thaksin and his wife. The Thai lawyers said they would not file a request for Thaksin's extradition during the trip, but would instead discuss the bi-lateral extradition treaty [PDF text] between the UK and Thailand. Even if an extradition bid is unsuccessful, the Assets Examination Committee has said it intends to proceed with civil litigation against Thaksin in absentia.

Thaksin and his wife Pojamarn have been accused of abuse of power for personal gain [JURIST report], conflict of interest violations, and dereliction of duty for personal gain in charges stemming from a 2003 land purchase by Pojamarn from the government-directed Financial Institutions Development Fund [official website]. Thai courts have issued multiple arrest warrants for them, including one for "evading prosecution" [JURIST reports]. Prior to serving as prime minister, Thaksin made a fortune in the telecommunications industry. BBC News has more. From Thailand, the Nation has local coverage.