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Published on August 12, 2007

That is when Thaksin Shinawatra will get a big slap on the wrist, this time with his wife Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra.

They have been summoned to appear in the Supreme Court to face charges related to political wrongdoing and several cases that have already engulfed the couple, their children, in-laws, close relatives and political cronies.

It is unlikely the pair will have the nerve to appear in court despite Thaksin's bravado in declaring that he would stand to defend his honour in any criminal trial against him.

The reversal of financial and political fortunes faced by the couple have taught them quite a bit about misery following over five years of unrivalled and unchallenged political power full of hubris and extreme arrogance.

Their disregard for the need to keep a low profile and accept their fate with humility has aggravated their predicament, leading to investigations into blatant malfeasance, misdeeds and complex financial shenanigans, not to mention other controversial and scandalous cases.

If the couple does not show up on Tuesday, they will be subject to a fine of just Bt1,000, which means nothing. What comes next could, however, be really hair-raising - that would be an arrest warrant, making their movement abroad more difficult if Thai authorities were to seek assistance from international law-enforcement agencies.

That means the pair would no longer be enjoying the good life in Britain.

British tabloids and other media outlets have a keen interest in human-interest stories, and would be particularly keen on their days in power waging months of dirty wars with alleged drug dealers through extrajudicial killings that also claimed innocent lives.

Ex-Thai Rak Thai members, who are in disarray and trying to find a new party, still insist that their ex-leader is determined to face what they deem unfair charges concocted by political enemies.

While Thaksin can avoid criminal cases here, he may eventually appear in a very bad light in front of the glaring eyes of stern British judges soon enough.

What's more? Thaksin could have not imagined the degree of suffering his minions endured during their recent time in prison. Such an experience would be a far cry from being surrounded by a bevy of beauties in karaoke hideaways.

That is entirely possible if anti-crime and anti-money laundering agencies force him to prove his good standing and clean background amidst the fanfare surrounding his status as the new owner of the Manchester City Football Club.

The investigation into whether Thaksin meets the "fit and proper person" standards of the Premier League has yet to take a serious look into his affairs and the sources of his funds.

Further investigation by British journalists would make his role as the top boss of a football club much less glamorous.

Other foreign owners of Premier League clubs have maintained relatively low profiles, preferring not to attract much local attention because the Premier League is closely linked with national pride.

Certainly, key members of the Premier League and upstanding lawmakers would not want someone with a dubious background and a bad reputation to cause further harm to the popular game in addition to the occasional scandal caused by hooligans locally and on the Continent.

If Thaksin were to decide to appear in court the day after tomorrow with his lawyers and wife it would clearly prove that he has guts.

All along he has been insistent about his innocence and courage to face legal adversity. That could be just merely hot air, as we know, for gullible fans and those still hoping that his return would mean fresh loans transformed instantly into debts.

His excuses for not showing up are that he could not expect a fair trial or a safe environment, with occasional claims that some are out to see him end up like Benigno Aquino, who was assassinated at Manila airport. The fear for his life is unquestioned, like other mortals, never mind his tough talk about having uncommon valour.

He is aware that if an arrest warrant is issued after a no-show in court, he would have to find somewhere quickly that would not extradite him. Taiwan could be a choice, in addition to Cuba, Costa Rica, and elsewhere. He could be safe until a regime change, or until he runs out of money.

What's happening in England now after his controversial role here is hard to judge. His attorneys have been quiet. The British Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has anti-graft rules. Officials do things quietly.

Who knows? Something might already be in the works, just waiting for the official arrest warrant from Thailand.

Thaksin had the chance to become a venerable political statesman through his vast wealth. Instead, he chose the course of a despot to become the most powerful man in the country's history.

Now he has gained notoriety of a scale he might have never expected or aspired to. Like all fallen dictators and those who have become arrogant with power, he no doubt thought that his great days would last forever.

Sopon Onkgara