Fugitive Thaksin Heads for Dubai After Divorce From 'very Close' Wife

Thailand's ousted Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, and his wife of 32 years have divorced as the fugitive former leader's woes deepen. Thaksin, 59, and Pojaman, 51, split in Hong Kong on Friday, signing the papers at the Thai consulate.

Thaksin's spokesman, Phongthep Thepkanjana, confirmed the break-up yesterday after it was reported that Thaksin told a group of stunned MPs from the ruling People Power party during a dinner in Hong Kong.

The couple, who fled to London in August to escape corruption charges, had their British visas withdrawn a week ago as they visited China, leaving them searching for a new home.

The Home Office signalled the decision to revoke their visas in an email message to airlines, though no reason was given. Foreign Secretary David Miliband confirmed Thaksin was no longer welcome because of his conviction and two-year jail term over a land deal made by his wife.

The cause of their divorce was not immediately clear, but observers believe the two remain close and the split may have been motivated by an attempt to protect their assets. A source close to the couple described the move as a 'divorce on paper' for practical reasons. 'Thaksin and his wife remain very close and they are even closer since their problems began in Thailand,' he said.

Last year the National Anti-Corruption Commission revealed that Thaksin declared assets of £11.2m while in office, while Pojaman had £154.2m.

After the coup of 2006 that toppled Thaksin, the couple went into exile, living mainly in London. He bought Manchester City football club, but had to sell the team when his financial troubles grew.

A member of the People Power party said Thaksin was heading for Dubai, which does not have an extradition treaty with Thailand.