PM puts on brave face during trial

'Crisis, nightmares' are now behind him

Adelighted Thaksin Shinawatra said after the verdict: "Justice has prevailed."Beaming to an army of reporters outside Government House, the prime minister, surrounded by key cabinet members, held his head up, took the microphone and uttered: "I'm speechless."Clearly overwhelmed, he said he had been steadfast in arguing his innocence. The ruling had bolstered his determination to govern the country and declare war on corruption.

The National Counter Corruption Commission found him guilty on Dec 26 of covering up his assets.

The NCCC finding was sent to the court, which yesterday voted 8-7 to clear Mr Thaksin. Judges wrote individual opinions and conveyed them to the court. Mr Thaksin said he had worked hard through the trial and months of speculation, but had not always been a tower of strength.

"After all, my heart is only flesh. But as a leader, I simply cannot afford to be daunted. I could feel hurt but not weak," he said.

He could not afford to be dispirited while his countrymen still suffered. It was his wish to see people grow strong and so he told himself not to be weak or despondent.

The trial brought disruption and pain, but as a leader he had to put on a brave face to persuade people that everything was business as usual.

He thanked the court for a verdict which ensured him justice. "An honest person does not have to leave politics," he declared to thunderous applause.

He thanked supporters for their efforts. Judges said campaigns to keep Mr Thaksin in office placed them under pressure. But he was upbeat: "These people fought not for a man named Thaksin but for the country," he said.

He felt relieved now the trial was behind him. "Let the clouds of uncertainty dissipate," he said, calling on people to unite. The "crisis and nightmares" of his life would translate into energy.

Responding in English to a foreign reporter's question, he left with the remarks: "Let bygones be bygones. Forget the past, start the future."