Thai judges to decide on seizing Thaksin's wealth

Bangkok: A court ruling on whether Thailand's 2006 deposed leader Thaksin Shinawatra should lose his fortune could become a new source of political unrest in the country.

The Supreme Court will rule on Friday on whether Thaksin, a telecommunications mogul, illegally parked his fortune with family members because he was not allowed to hold company shares while prime minister and whether his 2001-2006 governments implemented policies to benefit his businesses.

If it finds Thaksin guilty the court will also decide whether to seize some or all of the $2.29 billion family fortune frozen in Thai banks.

The government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is hoping Friday's decision will lead to a return of stability, but it has hedged its bets, imposing a security crackdown around the country.