The Thong Pha Phum Provincial Court on Tuesday approved a request by construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta to remain absent while prosecution witnesses testified in the infamous black panther poaching case.

Accompanied by his lawyer, Mr Premchai submitted his absence request, which the judges approved because his case carries a maximum sentence of just 10 years, said his lawyer, Withoon Phraiyaem.

Tuesday was the first day of the court hearing for the notorious illegal poaching case in which Mr Premchai and other three people are suspects.

It marked the start of the session for prosecution witnesses to testify.

Prosecutor Somjet Amnuaysawat, who heads the prosecution team in this case, said Mr Premchai has every right to request absence from the prosecution's witness hearings, but he is required to be present during the defence's witness hearings.

Mr Premchai, president of the Italian-Thai Development Plc, was arrested and charged with poaching in Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in February along with three other suspects in the case.

Mr Withoon said his client needs the time to manage both his company and his many physical illnesses.

Mr Premchai will appear in court again when the hearing of the defence witnesses begins, said Mr Withoon.

During his absence, Mr Premchai's lawyer will represent him.

Mr Withoon said the defendants would not pay the 12 million baht in financial compensation demanded by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, because they maintain their innocence in the case.