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 29 August 2008 05:44 BST

Ex-prime minister Thaksin 'returning to Thailand'

Tuesday, 26 Feb 2008 10:17
Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand
Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is to return from self-imposed exile to fight corruption charges.

A pro-Thaksin website carrying a picture of the Manchester City owner looking upbeat and making the victory sign suggested Mr Thaksin would return to Thailand on Thursday.

The move is expected to stir up Thai politics to crisis point yet again after recent instability revolving around Mr Thaksin's controversial figure.

He was ousted from power in a September 2006 coup and was subsequently banned from political activity for five years after his Thai Rak Thai party was found guilty of mass electoral fraud.

The military returned Thailand to democracy with elections in December, but these were won by the new People Power party (PPP) which is seen as strongly supporting Mr Thaksin.

Last August an arrest warrant was issued over the first set of accusations against him, that he illegally suppressed rival bids to secure his wife Pojaman's purchase of land in central Bangkok.

With a pro-Thaksin government now in power it remains to be seen whether the courts, military and other Thai interests opposed to the businessman will be able to overcome pressure to exonerate him once he makes his return.

Initial indications seem positive for the PPP. Ms Pojaman, also facing corruption charges, returned to Thailand last month and was granted bail.

A return of electoral fraud allegations threatens to undermine Mr Thaksin's position, however.

Thailand's election commission voted to dismiss PPP deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat over electoral fraud, technically making the entire party liable, the Bangkok Post newspaper reports.

The case will go the supreme court within the next fortnight.End of story


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