Thai junta tightens border control after former premier Yingluck skips court verdict

Thai police officers stand guard in front of the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions in Bangkok. PHOTO: EPA

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thailand's junta chief on Friday (Aug 25) ordered border checkpoints to be beefed up after ex-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra failed to turn up at a court date that could have seen her jailed, sparking rumours that she has fled the country.

"I just learnt that she did not show up (at court)," Prayut Chan-o-Cha told reporters.

"I have ordered border checkpoints to be stepped up," he said, including local and major routes out of the country.

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