A Thai court has begun reading the verdict on whether to confiscate $2.3 billion U.S. dollars of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra's family assets.

Security was tight around Bangkok's Supreme Court to tackle any violence from Thaksin supporters.

Some 600 police guarded the court and thousands of riot troops were on standby in case of unrest.

A verdict unfavorable to Thaksin could widen political divisions in Thailand and enrage the anti-government "red shirt" movement allied with Thanksin.

Prosecutors say Thaksin and his former wife concealed ownership of shares in a telecom firm while he was in office from 2001-2006, and abused power by tailoring policies to benefit the company.

Thaksin and his family deny the charges. Thaksin's family members did not show up but sent their lawyers to attend the ruling.

Meanwhile, people of Thailand have mixed reactions on the case.

[Thisakorn Thongchote, Observer]:
"I certainly believe the judges will sentence him (Thaksin) with a proper penalty, if he (Thaksin) is found guilty.”

Thaksin is still immensely popular among Thailand's rural poor.

[Nuch Wongkrai, Thaksin Supporter]:
“I'm worried for the fate of Thaksin because he is the only one who gives hope and future to the grass root and the poor people in Thailand.”

Authorities fear a violent backlash by anti-government protesters who have rallied behind Thaksin. The pro-Thaksin "red shirt" movement plans a mass rally in Bangkok on March 14.

The verdict is the latest chapter in a political crisis that has alarmed many investors and is showing no signs of being resolved.