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Published on March 31, 2008

One businessman specialises in bio-diesel and ethanol, while the other has assets that rank in the world's top 10. "The invitation to the businessmen is not connected with the government or politics at all. He [Thaksin] invited them as a Thai who wants to help develop the country,'' Pongthep said.

He said Thaksin also came back to join the Thaicom Foundation's selection of young Thai football players to join Manchester City Football Club. Thaksin was yesterday welcomed by his wife Khunying Pojaman and his three children, Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair as well as former Thai Rak Thai executives Newin Chidchob and Prommin Lertsuridej.

More than 100 officials threw a blanket of security around Suvarnabhumi Airport ahead of his arrival.

Meanwhile, more than 4,000 people yesterday joined the official launch of the People who Miss Thaksin Club in Ang Thong, the first of its kind in Thailand.

Thanadetpon Timthong, 32, said more than 12,000 people in the province had signed up to be members of the club. More than 100 members from Bangkok joined the launch.

He said the club started to recruit members after the September coup and was established with the objective of making a contribution to society.

He said Thaksin found the club useful and beneficial and honoured it by taking up the chairman's post.

Somchai Taengtab, 40, the deputy chairman, said the club was free of any political motivation and was formed without any financial support from any politicians.

The club threw a party in the evening, providing more than 400 tables (Chinese-style dinners) for more than 4,000 guests or members.

THE NATION