New Thailand Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has said that he received a phone call from “exiled” former Thailand leader Thaksin Shinwatra, who was ousted in the September 19 coup asking about his wanting to return to Thailand.
Speaking to reporters after returning from his first official visit to Laos, Prime Minister Surayud said the former Premier can come back because he is a Thai citizen, but there must be prior consultation about the appropriate timing.
According to Surayud, security and other issues will have to be consulted with various parties, including the National Security Council, headed by Gen Sondhi Boonyarat-kalin, saying “We’ll have to take several issues into consideration, not only the internal situation”. “My policy is to find the ways and means to end political rifts in the country”.
The Thai Rak Thai party said that Thaksin, who is living in London, had been monitoring the political situation in Thailand very closely via Sudarat Keyuraphan, a deputy TRT leader, and other senior party members.
The return of the former Premier to Thailand could potentially destabilise the country, affecting tourism but it is also considered that Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont is determined to ensure it will not.
Report by The Mole
