Thaksin goes on trial in Thailand

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The corruption trial of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has begun in Bangkok, almost two years after he was overthrown in a coup, reports BBC.

Mr Thaksin and his wife face charges related to a Bangkok real estate deal.

The couple deny any wrongdoing, saying the charges of abuse of power against them are politically motivated.

Mr Thaksin, a telecoms billionaire who owns the English football club Manchester City, returned to Thailand in February after 18 months abroad.

The military ousted him in September 2006, accusing him of corruption and abuse of power.

Mr Thaksin has since been living mostly in the UK, but his political allies won democratic elections late last year, facilitating his return to Thailand.

Mr Thaksin, his family and his aides face a number of different allegations. Millions of dollars of his assets have remained frozen since charges were laid.

The case before the Supreme Court relates to the purchase of a plot of land in the Thai capital.