Thai PM says Thaksin can return "at appropriate time"

Thailand's interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Saturday he had no objection to his predecessor Thaksin Shinawatra returning to Thailand in due course, pending discussions with all concerned parties, the Thai News Agency (TNA) said.

Speaking to journalists in Bangkok on his return from a one-day official visit to neighboring Laos, the former Army chief and privy counselor said he had a telephone conversation with deposed prime minister Thaksin recently regarding many issues -- including his possible return to Thailand.

"As a Thai citizen, Mr. Thaksin has the right to return to Thailand but the timing will have to be discussed among all parties concerned," Surayud said, while giving few details about his contact with his predecessor, who is now staying in London in exile after being toppled by the Sept. 19 military coup.

Thai military leaders led by General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin seized power claiming that the Thaksin government was corrupt to the core and had abused power during its five years in office.

The 12-member Assets Examination Committee recently set up by the military council is empowered to investigate any projects or acts by members of the Thaksin government and others who are suspected of irregularities.

The investigation is now underway to gather evidence. The committee can freeze assets of the politicians if there is sufficient evidence to prove that they are involved in corruption, the TNA report said.

Source: Xinhua