Thaksin Shinawatra. (The Nation/ANN)

The Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant on Monday for fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra after the Army filed a defamation lawsuit against him for criticizing the military for ousting his sister Yingluck's govt.

An arrest warrant was sought because Thaksin failed to show up at court, Maj-General Sarayuth Klinmahom, director of the Army's Office of Judge Advocate, said.

In an interview with South Korean media in May this year, Thaksin accused the Army of being part of a conspiracy to overthrow his sister's elected government last year. The Army decided to sue Thaksin, saying his claims were untrue.

Thaksin, who also faces corruption charges, has fled the country and is reportedly based in Dubai.

The court said the former PM - who has lawyers to defend the case on his behalf - knew that the court had set a date for trial.

"As the defendant has taken refuge outside the Kingdom, the court deems it necessary to issue an arrest warrant," the judge said.

However, a trial on this case has to be suspended until the authorities are able to bring him to the court.

Sarayuth said he would forward the warrant to the Attorney-General's Office and police to request that Thaksin be brought back to face the court.

Thaksin faces arrest on several counts, including corruption, abuse of power and terrorism. He was sentenced to two years in prison by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders for abuse of power in the sale of state land to his then-wife when he was premier, but fled overseas. (k)(++++)

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