Thaksin wants to return in Feb

Thaksin wants to return in Feb

MANOP THIP-OSOD and AGENCIES

Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said yesterday he wants to return to Thailand in February and called for reconciliation with the military.

He repeatedly said he did not want to return to politics even though the general election saw his allies in the People Power party emerge as the biggest winner. But he left open the possibility of returning to politics if conditions were right.

''I will go back from February onwards,'' he said in Hong Kong.

He declined to give a precise date but said he hoped it would happen by April at the latest. ''I want to go back when my life can be peaceful in Thailand, as a normal citizen,'' Mr Thaksin said.

He called for national reconciliation and thanked the military junta for allowing the general election to take place.

''I urge every party concerned to forget the past and look forward to a bright and prosperous future for Thailand.

''I am quitting politics, I am not going back to politics. I will not take any political position except when they want any ideas,'' said Mr Thaksin.

He added: ''I have no wish to go back to politics until I feel safe, and then I will have to assess the situation.''

When asked if he would be willing to act as an adviser to the PPP, Mr Thaksin said, ''If they want my opinion and ideas, then I will give it to them.''

Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said Mr Thaksin had the right to return home but warned that he should not be given any privileges in fighting the corruption charges against him in court. Mr Thaksin would put the country in danger if he tried to interfere in the judicial process and politics.

The next government must be formed to solve the country's problems rather than just to help Mr Thaksin escape from the charges filed by the Assets Scrutiny Committee, Mr Abhisit said.