Thaksin arrested on return to Thailand
Ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was taken into police custody today after arriving on Thai soil and ending 17 months of exile to face corruption charges.
Thai authorities arrested the 58-year-old billionaire Manchester City owner after his arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on a Thai Airways flight from Hong Kong.
Two arrest warrants were issued for Mr Thaksin after the September 2006 coup that removed him from power.
Mr Thaksin was then driven to the Supreme Court to face charges against him.
He faces corruption charges in two separate cases that date to his time in office from 2001-2006 and could receive a maximum of 15 years in prison.
“I have to restore my reputation which has been tarnished by the coup,” he told reporters on the plane shortly before landing, denying that he had been involved in corruption.
Thousands of supporters had gathered at Suvarnabhumi International Airport before dawn to await his return.
They danced, beat drums, sang and carried signs reading “We love Thaksin” and erupted into cheers when Mr Thaksin emerged from the airport’s VIP room.
Surrounded by 40 followers before boarding the plane in Hong Kong, Mr Thaksin had told reporters: “I believe in the Thai justice system, especially the court system. Normally in justice systems everywhere, a person is innocent until proved guilty.”
He said that he was a “little bit” concerned about his security. But he added that there was little chance his return would spark violence.
“I used to say when I was prime minister that there were attempts to assassinate me. Normally I would have some concerns but I hope that everyone is thinking of national reconciliation and they will prepare (security measures) for me well,” he said.
Two City players – goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and midfielder Kelvin Etuhu - were on the flight and said they planned to hold some soccer clinics with Thai children and work out with the national team.
