The Philippine government will not give asylum to former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is reported to be seeking asylum in the country, an official said in Manila Monday.
The Philippines has not received any asylum request from Thaksin, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said at a press briefing.
"There is no such move. But if there is any in the future, we will courteously tell Thaksin that we will not allow him to come to the country to seek political asylum," Dureza said.
It has been reported that Thaksin and his wife are planning to seek asylum in the Philippines after the United Kingdom revoked their visa. The couple had lived in exile in the United Kingdom after Thaksin, who was charged of corruption and abuse of power, was removed from office through a 2006 military coup.
A Thai court convicted Thaksin in absentia of violating a conflict of interest law in connection with a real estate deal by his wife. He was sentenced to two years in prison in October and prosecutors said they will seek for the former leader's extradition.
Dureza did not give reason why the Philippines will turn down Thaksin in case he files for asylum.
Manila and Bangkok have signed an extradition treaty, according to which both governments are committed to turning over wanted criminals from respective states.
New Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother in law, visited Manila on Monday and met President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo at night to discuss the global financial crisis and other bilateral concerns of the two countries.
After the meeting, government officials told reporters that the asylum request was not mentioned at all.
Although Thaksin can enter the Philippines without a visa for 21 days, which is a privilege given to citizens of Association of South East Asian Nations, government officials said he will be barred from coming in if his purpose is to seek asylum.
(Xinhua News Agency November 11, 2008)
