Pridiyathorn will be called to testify on Wednesday, said Udom Fuangfung, the panel's chair. If he fails to appear without proper reason he faces a month in jail and/or a Bt10,000 fine, Udom said.

However, Pridiyathorn had asked for his testimony to take place on April 25, after he returns from vacation, a source close to him said.

The panel is investigating alleged irregularities in the Bt772-million purchase of a land plot on Ratchada-phisek Road. The plot was auctioned by the Financial Institutions Devel-opment Fund.

The summons follows a request by Thaksin and wife Khunying Poja-man. Pridiyathorn - who served briefly as a deputy premier and fi-nance minister in the current government - was chairman of the fund that auctioned the land. He has said there were no irregularities in the deal and that the fund realised a capital gain.

"The lawyer of the accused will not be allowed to be present during the testimony. The lawyer can be present only if the accused appears,'' Udom said. The defence can submit questions for the witness.

The Shinawatras' defence team expressed dismay at being excluded. A lawyer representing Pojaman said he was worried Pridiyathorn would be questioned in a manner supportive of the prosecution.

The lawyer said the team was worried the AEC would take the case to the Supreme Court Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions. Pojaman is not and was not an office holder. "The AEC claims Pojaman helped Thaksin commit offences,'' the lawyer said.

The AEC wants Thaksin and Pojaman to face charges under the National Counter Corruption Commission Act and the Criminal Code. The act bans state officials and their spouses from having an interest in contracts made with state agencies under their supervision.

 The AEC says the couple should be charged as well with violating Article 152 of the Criminal Code for allegedly exploiting a political position for personal gain.