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Although Pracha didn't say who, everyone knows who he was talking about. And that mysterious person is certainly not Santa Claus.

Thai Rath's page-three commentary yesterday analysed Pracha's statement with the headline: "The game to pressure Thaksin to fly back."

Some questioned the validity of what Pracha said. But don't underestimate his sources. After all, Pracha was right before when he said that Pojaman, Thaksin's former wife, would come back to Thailand.

But it's not only whether Thaksin will come back that is the issue. The other question people are waiting to see answered is which airport Thaksin might land at. Some political pundits said Thaksin might choose to exchange jabs with his political opponents in Thailand. The first strategy would be to create a "human shield" when he touches down in either Bangkok or Chiang Mai. It is certain that a massive crowd of supporters from around the country would be mobilised to greet him if he lands in Thailand.

Thai Rath said the timing matches the planned rally by red-shirted Thaksin supporters on December 28, when the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is scheduled to make its policy statement to Parliament.

Thai Rath said that it would be a make-or-break game.

But Thaksin's return might just be inevitable anyway, considering the conditions he now has to face. First of all, he has been cornered to the point where his political force has been greatly diminished.

Pheu Thai, the set-up party for Thaksin's allies, is now struggling after Newin Chidchob and his faction switched sides. The party lacks a professional strategist to control its forces. Yaowapha Shinawatra alone is not capable of taking charge because she lacks political savvy.

Thaksin's side lost in the game to form the coalition government. The loss shows that money cannot guarantee victory. Thaksin can no longer let the amateurs in Thailand run his show. The formation of a political alliance consisting of Newin Chidchob, Suchat Tancharoen and Sora-art Klinpratoom wrecked the Thaksin alliance in the Northeast of Thailand, which has been his biggest electoral stronghold.

Newin meanwhile, has volunteered to penetrate the Northeast for Abhisit's government. Thus, the rumours that Thaksin might come back are not groundless, Thai Rath summed up.