Thai ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra found guilty of corruption

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been found guilty of corruption and sentenced two years prison by the Thai Supreme Court.

In the landmark ruling, he was found to have used political influence to help his wife purchase land from a state agency at a knock-down price.

The couple fled to the UK in August, saying they would not get a fair trial.

The decision comes amid growing tension between the former leader's supporters and his opponents.

The Supreme Court's decision is the first in a series of cases lodged against Mr Thaksin.

For weeks protesters have demanded the resignation of the government, saying it is too close to Mr Thaksin.