Bangkok Post: The world windows to Thailand

Former Bangkok Bank of Commerce executive Rakesh Saxena, who yesterday lost his appeal against extradition from Canada, is scheduled to arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport on Friday at 9.30pm.

He is due to arrive on flight TG 615 and is being escorted by a team of Thai officials led by chief prosecutor for foreign affairs Sirisak Tiyaphan.

Upon arrival, Mr Saxena will be handed over to police.

He fled to Canada in May 1996 to avoid prosecution. He has fought extradition to Thailand for 13 years to avoid facing charges of embezzlement from the collapsed BBC.

He is accused of conspiring to embezzle 1.6 billion baht, then worth about US$60 million, from the bank, according to a 2006 British Columbia Court of Appeal ruling upholding his extradition.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the extradition of Mr Saxena will have no impact on the government.

He also said that the ruling Democrat Party will not use this matter as an excuse to negotiate for a better deal with the Bhumjaithai coalition party.

Mr Saxena had connections with the so-called Group of 16 politicians who include Newin Chidchob, now the Bhumjaithai Party's de facto leader.