Thai prosecutors are to request the extradition of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, after the Supreme Court yesterday found him guilty in absentia of abuse of office and sentenced him to two years in jail.

Mr Thaksin fled to the UK in August and says he will not return to answer charges he believes are politically motivated. His wife, Pojaman, who shares his exile and was his co-accused in the case, was acquitted.