New PM Abhisit urges Thaksin to return home

Abhisit guaranteed that Thaksin will be treated honourably as a former premier. But every legal process will proceed according to law.

"First of all, however, Khun Thaksin has to accept the country's legal procdures," Abhisit said.

Speaking in an interview with a news talk programme of Channel 7, he said Thai people have mercies and are ready to forgive if one accepted his guilt.

Commenting on reports that red shirt protesters prepared to rally against him, Abhisit said it was their rights to express their dissatisfaction, they can come out to protest.

"However it will not be acceptable if they plan or intend to harm other peoples. They must not do that because those moves would not help anything and most people do not want to see," he said.

He said he has no problems with demonstrations because Thailand is a democratic country, he said, adding he will try to understand those who had disagreement.

He accepted that Thais may not be able to be united within three to six months, but people will feel relieve that Thai political conflicts were not escalated to more violence.