News Makers

Thaksin returns ahead of hearing

Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned yesterday to Thailand ahead of a crucial court hearing next month over two corruption-related cases lodged against him.

Only about 50 family members and friends greeted him as he arrived from London at the airport, a stark contrast to the thousands of supporters who noisily welcomed his return in February.

He made no comment to reporters before heading off to a news conference for the Thaicom foundation, which is sending 15 Thai football players to train at Thaksin's Manchester City football club in England.

The Supreme Court earlier this month set his next hearing for April 29 and excused the former leader from having to appear in person at every hearing. His return appeared to be a sign that he wants to give added attention to the case.

"When he is in the country, it makes it easier for me and my team," said Pichit Chuenban, Thaksin's lead defense attorney.

"If there are some documents that he has to sign, we can do it right away. Or if there are some problems, we can consult and discuss with him directly."

China holdings 'threaten US'

The Bush administration has jeopardized national security and the ability to intervene in world crises because of the huge US debt held partly by China, Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton said on Saturday.

The New York senator, who argues she is better prepared to deal with economic and foreign policy problems than rival Illinois Senator Barack Obama, told a rally in Indiana that the United States' $9 trillion in gross national debt puts it at the mercy of other nations.

Clinton made China the focus of her criticism, which she has repeated throughout Indiana, a state that has suffered from manufacturing job losses that many blame on unfair trade practices and companies outsourcing jobs to China.

Clinton hopes to win Indiana's Democratic nominating contest on May 6 in a bid to close the gap with Obama who leads in amassing delegates who determine the party's nominee.

In her campaign remarks, she lamented China's hold over the US economy.

"We are so dependent upon decisions made in other countries' capitals," Clinton said, singling out China's potential power over US foreign policy decisions because of its financial leverage.

Thatcher's son gets remarried

A British newspaper reports that former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's son has remarried in Gibraltar.

The Sunday Telegraph quotes Mark Thatcher as confirming that he has married Sarah Russell in a civil ceremony.

The 54-year-old's marriage comes as Equatorial Guinea is seeking his arrest for his alleged role in a plot to overthrow the West African country's president.

Thatcher pleaded guilty in a South African court three years ago to helping bankroll the 2004 coup plot. He was fined and given a suspended sentence.

The newspaper says Thatcher's mother was informed of the wedding but did not attend. Only three friends were present.

Thatcher divorced his American wife Diane in 2005 after 18 years. They have two children.

Agencies

(China Daily 03/31/2008 page6)