Paphos People

Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife have pleaded not guilty to corruption charges at Thailand's Supreme Court.

Amid a media storm Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra and her husband - who owns Premier League club Manchester City - denied violating anti-graft laws that prevent serving politicians and their spouses from doing business deals with state agencies.

The charges result from an investigation by a panel appointed by the generals who toppled the twice-elected Thaksin in a bloodless 2006 coup and forced the couple into an 18-month exile.

They stem from his wife's purchase of a prime piece of land in downtown Bangkok, owned by the central bank, at an auction that other bidders had backed out of.

In January, she pleaded not guilty to the charge but the pair could face up to ten years in jail.

Thaksin had almost £1 billion of his family assets frozen having been accused by those who carried out the coup of presiding over rampant corruption during his five years in power.

He and 46 of his former cabinet ministers and other top officials could face charges of illegal use of funds from a state lottery during 2003-2006.

However, with a Thaksin-supported party leading a coalition government in the country, political analysts say it is unlikely the couple will end up behind bars.

The court has allowed Thaksin to take a month-long trip to the UK from Thursday which will focus on halting the slump in form of Manchester City.