Ousted Thai leader confirms his return on Feb 28 but forgo politics

BANGKOK, Feb 27 (TNA) - Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra confirmed on Wednesday his return to Thailand on Thursday morning from self-imposed exile overseas to fight his corruption charges, but that he would stay out of politics.

Mr. Thaksin was removed in a bloodless military coup in September 2006 while he was abroad and has mostly lived in London since then.

He reiterated in an interview from Hong Kong on Wednesday night his intention was purely to fight corruption charges and he did not want to re-enter politics.

"I will go back home tomorrow to defend myself in a case in which I was unfairly accused....I will not get involved in politics or the People Power Party," he said, referring to the ruling party comprised of his loyalists which won December elections by campaigning as the proxy for Thaksin's former ruling party.

The ousted premier and his wife are charged with corruption in relation to the purchase of a Bt772 million (US$26 million) plot of land in Bangkok's Rachadapisek area in 2003, while he served as prime minister.

The former premier is accused of illegally influencing the deal and helping his wife purchase the government-owned parcel of land at a bargain price while he was in office.

Mr. Thaksin and his wife, who returned to Thailand last month and was released on bail pending trial, have both repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Transport Minister Santi Prompat who oversees the management of the Airports Authority of Thailand or AoT and Thai Airways International said the two organizations were prepared to prepare for Mr. Thaksin’s arrival.

Mr. Santi himself would go to welcome Mr. Thaksin at the gateside.

The former prime minister said he would board Thai Flight TG 603 from Hong Kong and arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 9.40 am local time.

The Aot closed Zone G including the parking structure on since Wednesday and stepped up security with over 500 police were being deployed to provide extra security for his return. (TNA)










MCOT Political News : Last Update : 21:52:33 27 February 2008 (GMT+7:00)