Thaksin lands at Suvarnabhumi and taken to court

[george]

Thaksin Detained on Return to Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Police detained ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as he arrived home Thursday after 17 months of exile to face corruption charges.

Thousands of supporters - many dancing, beating drums and singing - gathered at Suvarnabhumi International Airport for his arrival aboard a Thai Airways flight from Hong Kong.

But Thai authorities quickly took the 58-year-old billionaire politician into custody, said police Maj. Gen. Thaweesak Toochinda, the head of airport immigration police.

Thaksin was deposed in a September 2006 coup and had lived abroad ever since. He had expected to face arrest after arriving at the airport on charges of graft and abuse of power during his 2001-2006 time in office.

Before boarding the plane in Hong Kong, Thaksin told reporters, ``I believe in the Thai justice system, especially the court system. Normally in justice systems everywhere, a person is innocent until proved guilty.''

He said that he was a ``little bit'' concerned about his security. But he added that there was little chance his return would spark violence.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived home Thursday after 17 months of exile, prepared to face charges but saying he had faith in Thailand's justice system.

Thaksin flew first class on Thai Airways from Hong Kong to Bangkok, where thousands of supporters had gathered at Suvarnabhumi International Airport before dawn to await his return. They danced, beat drums, sang and carried signs reading ``We love Thaksin.''

The 58-year-old billionaire politician was deposed in a September 2006 coup and had lived abroad ever since. He was expected to face arrest after arriving at the airport. He is accused of graft and abuse of power during his 2001-2006 time in office.

--AP 2008-02-28

Ousted Thaksin returns to Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Thousands of people, many carrying red roses and waving blue flags, have gathered at Bangkok airport to greet ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has just returned to Thailand.

Filling the airport with a carnival atmosphere, the crowd sang songs in praise of the billionaire politician who was toppled in a coup in September 2006, as he headed back to his country for the first time since the putsch.

Waiting outside the airport's VIP lounge, many wore T-shirts bearing Mr Thaksin's image and waved paper banners carrying messages that read ``We love you,'' ``We miss you,'' and ``Welcome home.''

About 10,000 Thai police have been deployed to boost security in the capital.

Mr Thaksin set off from Hong Kong today to defend himself against corruption charges. He said he did not want to return to politics and would report himself to authorities when he arrived.

Dressed in a black suit and white shirt, Mr Thaksin waited in Hong Kong airport's business lounge to board his flight.

“I don't expect there to be large crowd when I arrive,” he told reporters. “I want to go back as ordinary citizen.”

Since the September 2006 coup Mr Thaksin has lived mainly in Britain where he owns Manchester City football club, two of whose footballers were also on the plane.

His return comes with a new civilian government in office in Bangkok under Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, a close ally who was handpicked by Mr Thaksin to lead the People Power Party (PPP) to success in December elections.

As soon as he clears immigration, police have said they will escort him to the Supreme Court to hear charges from a corruption case accusing him of using his influence to win a property deal for his wife in 2003.

Mr Thaksin is expected to seek bail, which his wife Pojaman was granted in the same case last month.

He would then be escorted to the justice ministry's special investigations unit to hear charges over alleged fraudulent filings to securities regulators in 2003.

Mr Thaksin is also expected to visit the Grand Palace, to pay respects to the late sister of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in what would be an important display for a man accused by the military of lacking loyalty to the throne.

“I am confident that I am innocent,” he told Thai media here Wednesday. “I have done nothing wrong. I am ready to prove it.”

“I am ready to work to serve the king, the queen, and every member of the royal family, in any way that I can,” Mr Thaksin said, adding he would focus his energies on his football club and charitable foundation.

The legal cases were brought by the military regime who toppled him.

The coup was welcomed by Bangkok's middle classes, who led months of street protests against Mr Thaksin in early 2006 accusing him of corruption and abuse of power.

But the military government left many coup supporters disillusioned as the generals mishandled the economy and failed to win convictions on the charges against Mr Thaksin.

Even with Mr Samak as prime minister and close Mr Thaksin allies at the highest levels of government, analysts say the court cases still pose a threat.

“The legal challenges are serious,” said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political analyst at Chulalongkorn University.

“He's taking a gamble here,” he said, although “it's much less (of a) risky gamble than before the election.”

The People's Alliance for Democracy, which spearheaded earlier anti-Mr Thaksin protests, has vowed to take to the streets against any perceived interference with the courts.

But its links with the unpopular military regime have weakened its support, and Mr Thitinan said they may struggle to gather a large following so soon after an election seen as reaffirming Mr Thaksin's popularity.

“This is a different ball game. Mr Thaksin has the upper hand,” he said.

-- AFP 2008-02-28

[george]

Over 2,000 taxi motorcyclists wait for Thaksin at airport

The number of taxi motorcyclists who gathered at the Suvarnabhumi International airport to welcome former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra grew to over 2,000 shortly before his arrival.

Thaksin's mother-in-law, Pojanee na Pomphet, also waited to greet the former prime minister at the airport.

-- The Nation 2008-02-28

Thaksin's sister, some 100 former Thai Rak Thai MPs gather at airport

Yinglak Shinawatra, a sister of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and some 100 former Thai Rak Thai MPs gathered at the Suvarnabhumi International airport to welcome the former prime minister.

Yinglak said she was excited to meet her brother, who asked her to thank all of his supporters to wait there to welcome him.

-- The Nation 2008-02-28

Chalerm, transport minister, justice minister welcome Thaksin at airport

BANGKOK: -- Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, Transport Minister Santi Prompat and Justice Minister Somchai Wongsawat gathered at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport to welcome former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The three will board Thanksin's plane once it arrives at the airport at 9:45 am to welcome him.

-- The Nation 2008-02-28

[Tony Clifton]

He stepped outside and kissed the ground for the cameras.

A performance worthy of an Oscar nomination.

Now I know why he kept repeating he feared for his life in the last few days.

There was talk of missing firearms amongst reporters at the airport, a rumour surely planted by his team and broadcast by TITV or whatever it has become.

The Thaksin soap continues by playing the sympathy card.

[JaiDeeFarang]

Best news I've heard for a long time

[phuketrichard]

They welcome him like some sort of God.

I just hope he gets what he deserves not what he thinks he is going to get.

[Artisi]

As this is the olympic year -maybe we should pre-empt the start by saying "LET the GAMES BEGIN"

[lazeeboy]

a brave man .

[Thai at Heart]

a brave man .

He didn't look particularly detained to me!!

[george]

Thaksin kisses the grounds of his motherland upon emerging from VIP room

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra prostrated to touch the grounds after he stepped out of the VIP room to greet thounsands of his supporters at 10.15am.

Flanked by Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, he was surrounded by security guards and quickly walked to his motorcade.

-- The Nation 2008-02-28

Thaksin to hold press conference at 1 pm

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected today to hold a press confernece at 1 pm at the Peninsula Hotel following completing his bail review at the Supreme Court, his spokeswoman Sansanee Nakpong said on Thursday.

Thaksin has been quoted as saying he wants to attend a match by his Manchester City Football Club on March 15, indicating his first overseas trip after returning home.

-- The Nation 2008-02-28

[disgruntled]

Stepping outside, he kissed the ground for the cameras and then turned away and coughed up a big slimey mucus ball which he spit out on an air hostess' shoe. Then with a smile, he winked at Samak who handed him a handkerchief.

Edited February 28, 2008 by disgruntled

[Martin]

Of course we welcome him back.

As far as we are concerned up here, he led (and bankrolled) the first party to actually get a set of policies together, and then it implemented them after we voted it in.

They were policies that, for the first time, showed that a group of politicians had some respect for us up here, rather than the sneering at us that we usually have to put up with from you lot down there.

So he got up the noses of the middle class people down there by elbowing them away from the trough. So what? In fact, bully for him.

Personally, I don't approve of much that he did, but I do understand why my neighbours have voted for TRT Mark II, and why there is affection for Thaksin and so he is getting a big welcome back.

And although I don't approve of much that he did, I would find it hard to refute a proposition that he was the least-bad PM of Thailand so far.

[h90]

They welcome him like some sort of God.

I just hope he gets what he deserves not what he thinks he is going to get.

What do you deserve with a pocket full of money, after exchange some banknotes, the judge will kiss his forehad and tell "you are innocent, in the past, present and future".

And the parliament will tell: We give you a pardon for whatever you have never done.

[h90]

Of course we welcome him back.

As far as we are concerned up here, he led (and bankrolled) the first party to actually get a set of policies together, and then it implemented them after we voted it in.

They were policies that, for the first time, showed that a group of politicians had some respect for us up here, rather than the sneering at us that we usually have to put up with from you lot down there.

So he got up the noses of the middle class people down there by elbowing them away from the trough. So what? In fact, bully for him.

Personally, I don't approve of much that he did, but I do understand why my neighbours have voted for TRT Mark II, and why there is affection for Thaksin and so he is getting a big welcome back.

And although I don't approve of much that he did, I would find it hard to refute a proposition that he was the least-bad PM of Thailand so far.

because they got 200 Baht for voting him?

[Rajah]

They welcome him like some sort of God.

I just hope he gets what he deserves not what he thinks he is going to get.

Don't worry, he's going to become the next prime minister. Next month or next year. Whatever.

[Plus]

Thaksin kisses the grounds of his motherland

I hope it was sincere, but most importantly that it left a long lasting impression on him. Hope he remembers it when the time comes to tell his supporters not to resort to confrontation and violence.

He can have his money back, and he can leave the rest of this days peacefully and away from politics. That's all. He can fly to England to take care of his club.

If he stays within these boundaries, Thailand can finally move forward.

[soundman]

What is the bet that he is out on bail in time for afternoon som tum?

[george]

Thaksin rents a whole floor at The Peninsula Hotel:

Mr Thaksin's first date in the country was to be before the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and Transport Minister Santi Prompat were at the airport to welcome the ousted premier.

Mr Thaksin will go straight to the Supreme Court to acknowledge charges over the 772-million-baht Ratchadaphisek land deal. He is expected to spend about an hour there, and ask for bail.

After that, he will go to Peninsula Bangkok hotel, where he will the night. If everything goes according to plan, he will hold a press conference there at around 1pm.

His residence in Bangkok is currently under repair.

--Bangkok Post 2008-02-28

[thaikahuna]

Thaksin to hold press conference at 1 pm

-- The Nation 2008-02-28

Providing he doesn't suffer a heart attack of some sort at his booking.....

[chavy]

a brave man .

A brave man !! I don't think so. He wouldn't have come back in a million years if he wasn't sure the deck was already stacked in his favour. To think he'd risk a long term in jail by coming back here is foolish thinking in my view.

[marquess]

Straight to Jail is where he should go!

[h90]

What is the bet that he is out on bail in time for afternoon som tum?

Sooo late?

[Jai Dee]

Shinawatra family lawyer prepares for court

Lawyer to the Shinawatra family Pichit Chuenbaan (พิชิต ชื่นบาน) revealed his preparations for a court appearance tentatively taking place today in which former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will most likely request to be released on bail. Mr. Pichit states that he has prepared documents for both the Supreme Court and the Attorney General’s Office to expedite the court process.

The Shinawatra lawyer has also prepared documentation of assets which will be used as bail if the Supreme Court accepts a request by Doctor Thaksin. Mr. Pichit stated that the process for the former premier will be very similar with how his wife Khunying Pojaman dealt with the court. When asked about his certainty level pertaining to the releasing of Doctor Thaksin on bail, he stated that he would leave the decision to the Supreme Court.

Mr. Pichit also assured that Doctor Thaksin’s return has no political significance as it just only now that his legal papers are ready to deal with the multiple cases facing him. Also it coincides with the once government leader’s statement saying he would return once the general election of the government was completed.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 February 2008

[george]

Thaksin's daughter to be his bondswoman

BANGKOK: -- Thaksin's lawyer Pichit Chuenban is applying for Thaksin's bail upon his client's arrival at the Supreme Court building for bail review.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinwatra is expected to apply for his temporary release before noon. His youngest daughter Pinthongta is slated to act as bondswoman.

Court clerk Rakkiart Wattanapong said presiding judge Thonglor Chomngam and other two judges would review and rule the bail application relating to the Ratchadapisek land case.

During the review, Thaksin would be held in the court's custody at a defence room. The bail process should take about one hour.

--TNA 2008-02-28

[Koeloe]

a brave man .

A brave man !! I don't think so. He wouldn't have come back in a million years if he wasn't sure the deck was already stacked in his favour. To think he'd risk a long term in jail by coming back here is foolish thinking in my view.

So so so true , anybody who thinks that justice is gonna have his way lives in a dream world.

Never ever would anybody who has enough money to last another 100 generations in whatever country he prefers come out of exile to have the chance to spend the rest of his life behind bars.....

he knows exactly what's awaiting him.

[DP25]

Thaksin kisses the grounds of his motherland

I hope it was sincere, but most importantly that it left a long lasting impression on him. Hope he remembers it when the time comes to tell his supporters not to resort to confrontation and violence.

He can have his money back, and he can leave the rest of this days peacefully and away from politics. That's all. He can fly to England to take care of his club.

If he stays within these boundaries, Thailand can finally move forward.

Not very likely. I doubt he'll stay out of politics, he has no reason to, he's the most popular figure in Thailand despite being the most hated as well. He's never going to be punished for corruption and it is likely he'll end up as PM again. Thaksin has won. He'll get his money back plus interest.

Be careful what you write, even on the internet.

[Scott]

Well, I am glad this saga can start a new chapter anyway.

[Havy]

Just heard on CNN that he was released on 8 million Baht bail and is prohibitied from leaving the country without Supreme Court permission.

[britmaveric]

Thailand has returned to normal once again.

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin granted bail at the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court approved bail for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra after posting the bond worth Bt8 million.

As a condition of his temporary release, the high court banned him from travelling abroad unless receiving a prior approval by the court.

It also set March 12 as the date for Thaksin to report for hearing on his charges relating to the Ratchadapisek land case.

Thaksin left the court building and headed to the Office of the Attorney General for bail review relating to the violations of the disclosure rules on the SC Asset case.

Source: The Nation - 28 February 2008

[farang prince]

He stepped outside and kissed the ground for the cameras.

A performance worthy of an Oscar nomination.

Now I know why he kept repeating he feared for his life in the last few days.

There was talk of missing firearms amongst reporters at the airport, a rumour surely planted by his team and broadcast by TITV or whatever it has become.

The Thaksin soap continues by playing the sympathy card.

hel_l, we know journalists can't hit the broadside of a barn door with a gun. But they can cut off your balls with a computer.