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Published on February 29, 2008

7am (Bangkok time): Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra boards a Thai Airways flight in Hong Kong to return to Thailand for the first time since he was toppled 17 months ago. He is accompanied by his son Panthongtae.

9.10am: Hundreds of taxi motorcyclists who had gathered on Lat Phrao Road are allowed to go through security to join around 3,000 Thaksin supporters waiting at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

9.20am: Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung says he will personally escort Thaksin from the airport to the Supreme Court building for bail review. He announces that Thaksin will stay at the Peninsula Hotel instead of his Chan Song La residence, which is being renovated.

9.40am: Thaksin's flight lands.

9.50am: Thaksin enters VIP room number 3 at the airport, where his wife, Khunying Pojaman, and daughter Paetongtarn are waiting to welcome him along with Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, Transport Minister Santi Prompat, his deputy Songsak Thongsri and PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair.

He is presented with a wooden Buddha statuette by senior monk Phra Khru Suthep Sitthikhun of Wat Sribunruang in Chiang Mai and chats with close allies, including Sudarat Keyuraphan, Chidchai Vanasatidya, Prommin Lertsuridej, Pongthep Thepkanchana and his cousin and former Army chief, General Chaisit Shinawatra.

10.10am: Thaksin leaves the VIP room and greets his supporters with a humble "wai", tears in his eyes.

10.30am: Thaksin arrives at the Supreme Court to hear the charges against him and request bail. His youngest daughter, Pinthongta, is to act as bondswoman.

11.50am: Thaksin leaves the courthouse after being freed on bail of Bt8 million.

11.53am: Thaksin stops at the headquarters of the Crime Suppression Division on his way to the Office of the Attorney General to apply for bail in another case. He is accompanied by his children and Chalerm.

11.55am: Thaksin arrives at the Office of the Attorney General, where Department of Special Investigation acting director-general Thawee Sodsong is on hand to notify him of the charges relating to SC Asset.

12.10pm: Thaksin emerges smiling from the office after being granted temporary release in the SC Asset case.

12.30pm: Thaksin holds a closed-door meeting with aides at his Chan Song La residence.

2.10pm: Thaksin arrives at the Peninsula Hotel to hold a press conference, which was postponed from 1pm to 2.30pm.

6.00pm: Thaksin and his wife Pojaman along with his three children attended a religious ceremony to pay respects to the body of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.

The Nation