Pojaman denies charges

Pojaman said her husband and fellow defendant Thaksin would return to face trail in May.

"The defence requests 90 days to gather evidence and await the readiness of the co-defendant to jointly fight the charges, expected some time in May," Pojaman said in a prepared statement when she entered her plea.

The prosecution did not object to the delay.

Justice Thonglor Chomngam granted the request and set April 29 and 30 as days to hear evidence.

Nine judges from the court's Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holders are hearing the graft trial.

The prosecution claims Thaksin, in his capacity as prime minister, and Pojaman, as the spouse of an office holder, abused their power to secure the land deal in 2003 with the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF), a state agency.

Thaksin and Pojaman have been indicted under Articles 100 and 122 of the National Counter Corruption Act and Articles 33, 83, 86, 91, 152 and 157 of the Penal Code. Thaksin is the first defendant and Pojaman an accomplice for conspiring and abetting malfeasance.

After the hearing, Pojaman's counsel Pichit Chuenban said yesterday's request was not a delaying tactic but the defence required time to collect evidence.

Documents pertaining to the case were kept by many agencies, including the FIDF, the Lands Department, Finance and Interior ministries, the Office of the Auditor General and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, he said.

He was certain he could submit defence evidence by the deadline, a week before the next scheduled hearing date.

Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Pattama said the co-defendants would mount joint rebuttals.

Noppadon said Thaksin and Pojaman did not abuse their positions because the deal was via a state auction over which Thaksin had no jurisdiction.

He dismissed speculation Thaksin would enter the monkhood upon his return from self-imposed exile in London.

About 50 policemen were deployed at the court for yesterday's appearance.

A group of 20 supporters lined up to cheer the arrival and departure of Pojaman.

Many family members and leading Thaksin allies showed up, too, including Pojaman's brother Bhanapot Damapong, banned Thai Rak Thai executive Pongthep Thepkanchana, Thaksin's younger sister Yingluck and People Power Member of Parliament Chaowarin Latthisaksiri.

Son and daughter Panthongtae and Pinthongta remained at her side during the hearing.

Kesinee Taengkhio

The Nation