Praphan Sabsaeng, chairman of the Supreme Court's Section for Political Crime, said arrest warrants should be issued first in such cases.

He said the Court was ready to deal with high profile cases, such as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra or some of his Cabinet members, as there were 89 judges in the Supreme Court ready for such a task.

But trials could not take place if the accused were absent, Praphan said. But the extradition of certain politicians back to Thailand should not be ruled out.

"We're only worried if the accused will be taken to court, or not, and how well-built the case is [against the accused]," he said.

"Do they have all related documents or not, because the accused should have the right to fight against the case in court."

Praphan warned against any bid to try Thaksin in absentia, saying the Criminal Court could not do that. "All criminal case must be tried in open, in front of the accused only."

However, other preliminary processes could proceed, he said. Anti-corruption agencies should work hard to build up any cases.

Sak Korsaengruang, from the Assets Examination Committee (AEC), said yesterday it was not the responsibility of the committee to get accused politicians to go to court - that was a task for the police. Officials directly responsible in the government should see to it that such things were done legally, he said.