Deposed Thai PM 'smuggled out millions in 114 suitcases'

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Billionaire businessman Thaksin Shinawatra, 57, whose rule ended amid allegations of corruption, has sought sanctuary in Britain following the military takeover in Bangkok on September 19.

According to reports in Thai newspapers, local officials suspect that Thaksin anticipated his own fall from power and had much of his vast wealth flown out of the country in advance.

Astonishingly, it is claimed that he stashed the money in 114 suitcases which were transported to Finland only days before the coup, as Thaksin began a tour of Europe and America.

Thai Airways officials who were suspicious about the luggage are said to have passed on their concerns to the new ruling military council.

Immigration laws ban Thais from taking more than £700 out of the country when they go overseas.

Public prosecutors in Thailand are investigating a number of corruption allegations against Thaksin and members of his government, although yesterday the new Prime Minister, Surayud Chulanont, said that the ousted premier was free to return.

But last night it emerged that Thaksin has approached British immigration lawyers with a view to staying permanently in the UK.

He is thought to have permission to remain here for three months only, unless he can claim asylum.

Thaksin's family is among the wealthiest in South East Asia, thanks to the company he built up dealing in mobile phones and cable television. He is now staying with his 20-year-old daughter, a student at the London School of Economics, at a £3million penthouse in South Kensington, Central London.

Security staff said that the family would not respond to enquiries.