Prospective new Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has gone on the offensive against the Thai government and its agencies.

The former prime minister is furious at what he sees as an on-going attempt to discredit him and his family.

His lawyers have revealed that various charges had been laid against members of the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) by Thaksin and his wife Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra.

The committee was set up by the military junta when they seized power last September to look into allegations of corruption by Thaksin and his government.

He has claimed his innocence but the accusations have tended to overshadow his bid to take control at City.

Thaksin could secure the necessary 75 per cent of the shareholding this week, which would allow him to de-list the company.

It would also enable him to appoint a new manager and former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is expected to agree a three-year deal when Shinawatra passes the 75 per cent mark.

However Thaksin has become increasingly irritated by allegations of wrong-doing in Thailand and seeing his assets frozen.

In a statement, his lawyers said: "The sole purpose of the AEC is to sabotage any action by Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra.

"Various actions taken by the AEC were illegal, unfair and against the principle of the rule of law.

"Therefore, Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra and his family have no alternative but to take all necessary legal actions to protect himself and his family's reputation and prestige."