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Published on April 14, 2008

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday said he intended to make merit at 99 temples as he was happy making merit around the country.

The ex-premier, who was making merit in the North, said he would go to temples in the Central and Northeast regions next. He said he wanted to make merit at 99 temples, instead of the usual nine, because he has more bad karma than other people.

He said his face was evidence of his happiness as a result of his merit-making. Some people who previously attacked him have now turned to be good to him, he added.

He called for unity among all Thais for the sake of Their Majesties the King and Queen on the occasion of Songkran, or Thai New Year's Day.

Thaksin was speaking at a temple in Chiang Mai's San Kamphaeng district, where his supporters and close aides performed a bathing rite for him and his family.

He said yesterday was one of the happiest days of his life because he had been able to return to his birthplace and make merit.

He said throughout the almost two years he lived abroad, he felt concerned for Thai people because he had a bond with them and appreciated their support.

"I feel I have not paid back what I owe them. Though I am no longer a PM, I can work for the country. Now I do charity work,'' he said.

Citing astrology, the ex-PM said Rahu would move from Thailand and the dark cloud that covers the country would disappear. "I hope all good things will happen in our sacred country,'' he said.

He also asked his supporters and others to forgive each other.

"You can see my face is filled with merit because I forgive those who condemned me. I do not take revenge because everyone will have to pay back their karma,'' he said.

"Those who have duties should think hard and not interpret the law without considering the country. I urge all parties to let [their differences] go and unite for the happiness of all, and Their Majesties."

Thaksin returned to Bangkok in the evening and leaves today for Dubai to give a speech at a Business Week-organised event. He returns on Friday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej opened his house yesterday to the press, who performed a bathing rite for him on the occasion of Songkran Day.

Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silpa-archa and his family also had Suphan Buri people and party members perform a bathing rite at his home in the province.

Banharn said he would seek justice with the Attorney-General's Office and the Constitution Court after the Election Commission ruled on Friday to seek the court's dissolution of the party.

"This will be a long song. Chart Thai will be with Suphan Buri people as long as I breathe. I have no stress because I have passed through lots of problems in 30 years. I used to face more serious problems,'' he said.

Samatcha Hoonsara,

Woranaree Kosajan

The Nation