Thaksin

[Dee]

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Last Updated: Thursday, 28 February 2008, 08:20 GMT

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Emotional return for ex-Thai PM

 

Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra kisses the ground at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand (28/02/2008)

 

Thai reaction

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Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra has returned to his homeland, 17 months after being deposed in a military coup.

 

Thousands of flag-waving supporters, including key figures in the newly elected government, gathered at Bangkok's main airport to greet him.

 

Mr Thaksin was taken straight to court to face charges of abuse of power during his time in office - charges he insists are politically motivated.

 

He was granted bail and told not to leave Thailand without permission.

 

Mr Thaksin has said he intends to stay out of politics now he is back in the country, but correspondents say there are fears his return could lead to political turmoil.

 

Opponents' fears

 

The 58-year-old billionaire businessman had tears in his eyes as he greeted his supporters, who were cheering and waving signs saying "We love Thaksin!"

 

As he left the airport, he knelt and touched the ground with his forehead in a sign of respect.

 

Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Harding on the flight from Hong Kong, Mr Thaksin expressed optimism that he would "definitely" be cleared of corruption charges against him.

 

 

Supporters of former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra at Bangkok airport, 28 Feb 2008

A large crowd of supporters was waiting for Mr Thaksin in Bangkok

 

"I've done nothing wrong, why worry?" he said. "I have to restore my reputation which has been tarnished by the coup."

 

Mr Thaksin's party, Thai Rak Thai, was outlawed following the military coup in September 2006, and he was personally banned from politics for five years.

 

When asked if he would be pulling the political strings in Thailand, Mr Thaksin told the BBC that he had retired from politics.

 

"I think in my life I have devoted a lot to my country and I think I have done a lot politically. No more politics," he said.

 

He insisted he wanted to live peacefully as a "normal citizen", with no desire to seek revenge against the military leaders who forced him out of power.

 

He said that he now wished to focus on his family and his football interests. He owns Manchester City and travelled to Thailand with two of the British club's players.

 

He is also likely to spend time trying to secure the release of $1600m (£800m) from his frozen bank accounts.

 

Lying low?

 

But his opponents fear he has returned to Thailand to influence events from behind-the-scenes.

 

The People Power Party (PPP), which won elections in December last year, includes many of Mr Thaksin's followers, and critics say that the new prime minister, Samak Sundaravej, is just a proxy for Mr Thaksin himself.

 

Our correspondent says the former prime minister will need to lie low for a while now he is back in Thailand.

 

But it is unlikely he will be able to avoid the media spotlight, even if he wants to.

 

He said that he now wished to focus on his family and his football interests. He owns Manchester City and travelled to Thailand with two of the British club's players.

 

can't see our crew travelling to the states with Hicks!!

Edited February 28, 2008 by Dee

[Bailo]

I loved the report on this on R5 last night:

 

Reporter: "So, if he goes back, gets acquitted and gets his money back, we understand a significant proportion will be handed to Sven for transfers"

 

Presenter: "But, presumably, if he gets arrested and sent for trial, that's not such good news right?"

 

Reporter: "Well, er, yes. That is a possibility."