The return to Thailand of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra remains on track but the plan is likely to be slightly delayed to avoid any political turbulence, according to his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Ms Paetongtarn said her father confirmed he still plans to return home after many years in exile, during their conversation on Tuesday night. However that may be pushed back because he would rather wait for a more stable political situation.

“He’ll come back definitely. If it isn’t in July, it’ll be slightly delayed. We’ll see how the (vote for the new) prime minister goes,” said Ms Paetongtarn, who is one of the prime ministerial candidates of the Pheu Thai Party, which finished second in the May 14 general election.

Thaksin did not say if he would come back after that vote or when t he next government has been formed, but he does not want his return to stir up any political problems, she added.

Thaksin’s rumoured homecoming grabbed the attention of the media yet again this week after a copy of the security preparations for a meeting was seen by reporters on Wednesday.

The agenda of the July 12 meeting included the procedures to be taken in the event of the arrival of an unnamed individual facing an arrest warrant.

It also listed six possible routes for transporting that person from either Suvarnanbhumi or Don Mueang airport to various destinations in the capital including the Supreme Court and Bangkok Remand Prison.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, who is in charge of the Justice Ministry, said all the concerned agencies are making the necessary preparations for Thaksin’s return because the ousted prime minister went public with his plans last month.

Mr Wissanu said such preparations are routine because Thaksin faces the prospect of jail time. Thaksin is expected to make contact with authorities when he has finalised his plan.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by MONGKOL BANGPRAPA, WASSANA NANUAM, AND PATAPEE RUANGSRI

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