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Thaksin could head for the Bahamas
14/11/2008
After selling up at Manchester City and 'getting the heck outta Dodge' (or rather, the UK) to be sentenced in his native Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra is now looking for a new home.
The former Thai prime minister has been given a two-year sentence for corruption in his homeland, but tried to flee back to the UK, only to discover his visa has been cancelled.
Now, media reports are suggesting that he is in Hong Kong deciding where to set up home.
The mega-rich former leader was de-throned in a military coup in 2006 and his successors accused him of corruption, claiming his wife illegally bought state-owned land while he was in power.
Former US federal prosecutor Dan Nardello told GMA News that Shinawatra is likely to head to a country, such as the Bahamas, where he will be safe from extradition to Thailand.
"His primary concern will be to move to a country without an extradition treaty with Thailand," he said.
"While it is difficult to generalize, former leaders in similar situations also tend to turn to countries where they have a pre-existing personal or professional connection - for example, countries in which Thaksin was seen as instrumental in supporting trade."
Although he has no connection with the Bahamas, the Shinawatra family may be attracted to the fact that there is no tax on income, capital gains or inheritances in the country.
Another draw for him would be that if he invests at least half a million dollars in luxury property in the Bahamas, he automatically becomes eligible for permanent residence.
Dr Shinawatra sold Manchester City Football Club to the Abu Dhabi United Group earlier this year, making it the richest club in the world.
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