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Lawyer says toppled Thai PM won't return home until security is guaranteed

BANGKOK -- Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will not return to Thailand in the immediate future to fight for the return of his frozen assets because of concern for his safety, his lawyer said Thursday.

News that Thaksin might return had caused a stir in business and political circles Wednesday, because of fear it could set off new political instability.

It also drew a comment from Army Commander Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin -- who led last September's bloodless coup against Thaksin -- that the former leader would be at risk of harm from his enemies if he returned to Thailand now after nine months of exile.

Sonthi did not explain who he thought might target Thaksin. Last year, before the coup, a group of soldiers were arrested for allegedly planning to set off a car bomb near Thaksin, but the case against them was not prosecuted after the coup.

Thaksin's lawyer and de facto spokesman Noppadol Pattama -- who Tuesday indicated that the former prime minister might return soon -- said Thursday he would not be back at least until the end of this month.

"Mr. Thaksin will not risk his life and will not return until this government guarantees his safety," Noppadol said, referring to Sonthi's remarks. Sonthi leads the military council that is the power behind the interim government installed after Thaksin's ouster.

"Since one of the most influential characters in Thai politics today said authorities would not be able to guarantee his safety, we have to take it into consideration," Noppadol said. "It is definitely a factor in deciding when he would come back."

Noppadol insisted, however, that Thaksin is ready to return if summoned by a court to face charges. Several investigations and cases are pending against him, his family, and cronies, involving alleged corruption during his time in office from 2001-2006.

The Assets Examination Committee -- a special panel set up by the military soon after the coup to probe allegations of corruption in Thaksin's administration --on Monday ordered the freezing of 52.88 billion baht (US$1.63 billion) in assets held in Thai bank accounts belonging to Thaksin and his family.

If courts find the money was obtained through corruption or other illicit means, the government could seize it.

The committee said it had "found evidence that Thaksin during his time as prime minister committed corruption and illegal acts."

The committee's action came as a coalition of Thaksin's supporters and other groups opposed to his military-installed successors have been holding public protests in Bangkok.

Rumors of a coup or military clampdown circulated widely Wednesday, amid jitters that the prospect of Thaksin's return might set off confrontations between the former prime minister's backers and the current government.

The military denied the rumors.

Several thousand anti-government demonstrators held a rally Wednesday night in Bangkok. No untoward incidents were reported. Protesters have been holding growing and more spirited rallies almost daily since early June....