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Published on February 25, 2008

"There are signs of a move to help Thaksin [Shinawatra] return to Thailand, especially reports that the Foreign Ministry has returned his red diplomatic passport," Suriyasai Katasila, coordinator of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), said yesterday.

He said the PAD insisted in principle on the government solving the problems of the country rather than doing everything to help Thaksin return to Thailand safely. However, the PAD does support the former prime minister's return to defend himself against charges he faces.

Thaksin on Saturday telephoned supporters in Chiang Rai at an event called "We Miss Thaksin". He told the 1,000-strong crowd that he would know by tomorrow when to stage his comeback.

Thaksin also said he had no plans to stay in Thailand for a long period as he needed to travel overseas on business.

Suriyasai said he did not know whether the PAD meeting today would lead to new demonstrations against the former premier. He hoped the PAD would not cause people to stage protests again.

The PAD has four topics for discussion at the meeting.

First, a hidden agenda behind the transfer of permanent officials.

Second, the independence and fairness of the justice process, which faces interference from political quarters.

Third, the government's drug crackdown policy that allegedly sanctions extrajudicial killing.

Fourth, the return of Thaksin and the consequences.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has said Thaksin had not spoken to him about returning soon, while Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama has backed Thaksin's right as citizen to return, saying Thai society should accept it.

"His return won't affect the work of government or officials. He announced he has quit politics. He just wants to defend himself against the charges against him," Noppadon said yesterday.

According to a PPP source, Noppadon was among a group of top party members who met Thaksin in Beijing on Saturday to discuss his return. House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat and party-list MP Prakiart Nasimma were also present.

Pracha Prasopdee, a People Power MP from Samut Prakan, said he expected about 100,000 Thaksin supporters to welcome him at Suvarnabhumi Airport when he returns.

Nisit Sindhuprai, a Roi Et MP and chairman of the "We Love Thaksin" club, said: "I think we [PPP MPs] and his fans will flock to the airport because we love and miss him. It's a long-awaited day".

Democrat spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon warned yesterday that Thaksin must not create public chaos when he returns. The government should treat him as an ordinary citizen, he said.

The Nation