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Published on December 26, 2007

Political and business leaders warned former premier Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday against interfering with the political and judicial systems after he announced his plan to return to Thailand in the near future.

Speaking at a news conference in Hong Kong yesterday, Thaksin said he might return any time from February and would come back as a "normal citizen". He also repeated his earlier promise to keep out of politics.

However, he said he was willing to act as an adviser to the People Power Party, if asked.

Thaksin said while he wanted to return quickly, he would play it by ear and do so when the situation allowed.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said Thaksin should not interfere in the political or judicial systems.

Thaksin has the right to return to the country and face the judicial process as a citizen, he said.

However, his recent movements hint at the possibility of interference. In that case, he could spark rift and conflict, and nobody wants another coup, he added.

Parties considering a coalition position should keep this issue in mind, he cautioned.

Justice and morality should remain paramount, Abhisit said.

Federation of Thai Indus-tries chairman Santi Vilas-sakdanont said Thaksin was welcome back any time.

"If he comes here to pursue cases against him by the Assets Examination Commission, follows legal procedure and reports to the court and seeks bail, if he does that, people can accept that.

"But if he comes and tries to change the Constitution or to deal with the 111 banned politicians, it will create problems," he said on television news.

Santi said a Monday night meeting of federation members had expressed concern over a new government's policies.

"We said if the People Power formed the government, and it tried to change the Constitution, or invited Thaksin back, or interfered in the judicial system, it would face resistance. The situation will be fragile."

If it focused on accelerating social and economic policy, the public would accept the government, he said.

There are many things a new government can do within its first three to six months to improve economic performance, he added.

However, if a People Power government focused on these other issues, it would face public resistance.

Board of Trade chairman Pramon Sutivong echoed the sentiments. He said a People Power government should not intervene in legal processes or seek amnesty for banned politicians.

He said on Monday night that a new government should let the legal process run its course.

He conceded populist polices had some benefit, but added that a new government should learn from mistakes of the past in their implementation.

In Hong Kong, Thaksin

said yesterday he would "explore options" in February about a return but would not resume a career in politics, after being ousted in last year's coup.

"I really want to go back as a normal citizen. Enough is enough for politics," Thaksin claimed.

The former premier has not personally approached any parties seeking an alliance with a People Power coalition, his legal adviser Noppadon Pattama said yesterday.

He denied a Reuters report that Thaksin might resume politics after returning.

"Thaksin has no involvement and the People Power has made all contact with other parties," he said, dismissing speculation the party had sought assistance from the former prime minister.

He ruled out news reports Thaksin had assigned Matchima faction leader Somsak Thepsuthin and banned party executive Suriya Jungrungreangkit to broker a coalition deal.

He said Thaksin and wife Khunying Pojaman would definitely end their London exile and return to fight charges against them sometime between February and April.

"Thaksin intends to clear his name like any other citizen and will not interfere

with judicial proceedings," Noppadon said.

His client is confident of acquittals on all charges laid against him in a "frame-up" to justify the coup, he added.

The Nation, Agencies