Thaksin can return

Thaksin can return

BangkokPost.com

Military-appointed Premiker Surayud Chulanont said Wednesday he "has no problem" if ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra is to return to Thailand - although he will not be prime minister by then, anyhow.

"I want the country's situation to return to normal soon and if Thaksin returns, there will be no problem," he said.

Gen Surayud's response came after Mr Thaksin told media in Hong Kong he will "go back from February onwards."

His plan to return has become promising after his allies claimed victory in Sunday election. His return from exile is based on the near certainty that his political friends will form a government - probably by next week - and end the military rule exemplified by Gen Surayud.

The pro-Thaksin party, People Power party (PPP), won 233 seats while its closest rival Democrat party won 165 seats out of 480 seats.

Gen Surayud, appointed to the premier post by the military junta, expressed confidence a government would be formed.

He also called on every party to accept the results of the polls.