BANGKOK, THAILAND: Only one of the criminal cases against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will proceed in his absence while he is a fugitive abroad, a source at the Supreme Court told Bangkok Post.

Under the rules governing the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, defendants must be present at the first hearing, where they must formally acknowledge the proceedings after hearing the court read out the charges.

Of the cases against Thaksin, who on Monday skipped bail and announced he was staying in London, only the Ratchadapisek land case will proceed, and a verdict be issued, if Thaksin does not return to Thailand, the newspaper reported yesterday.

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