By Richard Lloyd-Parry
Times Online
On casual inspection the life of Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thai Prime Minister, former owner of Manchester City and former billionaire, looks likes a study in idleness and stagnation.
Since being deposed in a military coup in 2006 he has wandered the world in search of a sanctuary before washing up in the city of Dubai, financial oasis and home of the tax-shy rich.
Divorced from his wife, he shares his nine-bedroom villa with a domestic staff of ten and an exercise bicycle. He golfs at the neighbouring Montgomerie Club and shops in Dubai’s vast shopping malls. He fills his days with Buddhist meditation, exercise and updates on his website and Twitter feed.
He greets the visitor dusted with face powder. “Make me look more handsome than I am,” he asks The Times's photographer with a smile.
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