Thailand's Criminal Court on Wednesday approved a request of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to issue arrest warrant against ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and nine other people on charge of terrorism, the Nation newspaper's website reported.

Thailand turmoil

A statue of Buddha and a torn Thai national flag remain in front of Bangkok's Central World shopping mall, which was gutted by fire after army soldiers penetrated an encampment of anti-government "red shirt" protesters May 19, 2010. Rioting and fires swept Bangkok on Wednesday after troops stormed a protest encampment, forcing protest leaders to surrender but sparking clashes that killed at least six and triggering unrest in northern Thailand. A night curfew has been declared in Bangkok and 21 provinces. [Xinhua]

These nine others wanted on the arrest warrant include Adisorn Piengket, Wiphuthalaeng Phattanaphumthai, Phayup Punket, Jeng Dokjik, Wichian Khaokham, Aree Krainara, Suksek Poltua, Surachai Thewarat and Rachata Wongyod, said DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit.

Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 military coup for alleged massive corruption and other charges. Since the coup, Thaksin has lived abroad to escape a corruption conviction and two-year prison sentence.