The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on Thursday issued a warrant for the arrest of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a case involving 11.58 billion baht in loans from state-owned Krung Thai Bank.
The case came before the court after the Office of the Attorney-General filed malfeasance charges against Thaksin and 26 others, including former KTB president Viroj Nualkair.
The OAG prosecuted the 27 in connection with KTB loans provided to affiliates of Krisdamahanakorn Plc, a major property and real estate firm.
According to the charges, KTB approved large loans to Krisdamahanakorn's affiliates despite Krisdamahanakorn being classified as a non-performing debtor of the bank.
Under the debt rehabilitation agreement, Krisdamahanakorn was not eligible for any more loans.
All of the defendants, except Thaksin, appeared before the court to hear the charges.
The court, therefore, issued a warrant for the arrest of Thaksin, the first defendant, and shelved the suit against him.
The lawsuit can be renewed when Thaksin is brought to the court, said a court judge.
The court set Jan 25 next year for the examination of evidence. All defendants were told to submit their evidence 14 days before the appointment date.