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Thaksin Back in Thailand

By thaizer • February 28, 2008

thaksin-returns-back-to-thailand.jpgThere have been extraordinary scenes at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport this morning as former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shiniwatra returned back to Thailand. Thousands of supporters gathered to greet him and a huge roar went up when he appeared outside the airport to acknowledge his supporters. As well as returning the wais of his well-wishers, a clearly emotional Thaksin made a very symbolic gesture of kneeling on the floor and bowing and waiing to Thai soil. Hordes of photographers, television crews and reporters were on hand to record what has been a remarkable turnaround even by Thai political standards.

Although he still faces corruption charges, Thaksin is no fool and has carefully timed his return. A pro-Thaksin government, a weak opposition and vast personal finances can only help the 58-year-old billionaire as he attempts to clear his name. In addition, the Thai public haven’t forgotten that the military leaders who brought the initial charges against the ousted leader proved to be largely ineffective during their own time in charge of the country.

As expected, Thaksin was briefly detained by Thai police before reporting to the Supreme Court. He was released on bail with one of the conditions allowing him to fly overseas for business meetings. However, before he travels abroad he must seek the Supreme Court’s permission.

The former PM continues to assert his innocence and insists that he is finished with politics and wishes to concentrate on his football interests. There are suggestions that he may be seeking to release some of his frozen assets to further invest in English Premier League club Manchester City.

Photo from Associated Press.

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