RP Says: It Won't Give Asylum To Thaksin

MANILA (AP) - The Philippines will not grant political asylum to ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra after his British visa was revoked, preventing him from returning to London where he has been living in exile, an official said Monday (10 Nov).

Thai media have reported that Thaksin may be heading to Manila, but Philippine authorities said he has not applied for asylum and he would likely be turned down if he does.

"There is no such move," presidential spokesman Jesus Dureza told reporters. "But if there is any in the future, we will courteously tell Thaksin that we will not allow him to come to the country to seek political asylum."

Dureza did not elaborate on the reasons for the decision, but giving sanctuary to Thaksin, who has been accused of corruption in Thailand, will likely open President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo up to criticism from a feisty opposition and anti-government groups.

Arroyo has survived at least four coup plots, three opposition impeachment bids and political storms touched off by accusations of massive corruption, which she has steadfastly denied.

The Philippines, which has an extradition treaty with Thailand, will not be a safe haven for Thaksin. But he can enter Manila as a tourist for 21 days without a visa, a privilege given to nationals from Southeast Asia.

Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother-in-law, arrived in Manila on Monday to discuss bilateral ties and the global financial turbulence with Arroyo, but has not made any statement on speculation that he might meet Thaksin. Somchai will leave Manila later Monday.

Thaksin, who fled Thailand in August to escape several charges including corruption, was sentenced in absentia by a Thai court in October to two years in prison. Prosecutors planned to seek his extradition from Britain before his British visa was revoked Saturday (8 Nov).

Thai media say Thaksin is currently traveling in China.

A Thai court convicted Thaksin in October of violating a conflict-of-interest law by facilitating his wife's purchase of lucrative Bangkok real estate from a state agency in 2003, while he was prime minister. His wife was acquitted.

Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 military coup for alleged corruption and abuse of power. He has said he fled from Thailand because he could not get a fair trial there, although the government is led by his allies.