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Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Thursday vowed to stay out of politics and apologised to the people for their hardship caused by his involvement in the political conflict.

"I and my family have suffered from injustice but this can not be compared to the hardship befallen the people who are the worst victims of political rivalry," he said.

Thaksin said it was normal for politicians to having ties with him as this was part of Thai culture but should not be construed as his political comeback.

He said he wanted to return to his homeland since September 20, a day after the power seizure but he was asked by coup leaders to stay in exil for a while. This happened to last almost 18 months, he said.

Following the restoration of democratic rule, he said he was obliged to come back to defend his tarnished reputation and that of his family.

He said he was saddened by injustice, vowing to rebut his graft charges and prove his innocence.

The Nation