Clarity needed before Thaksin returns: Thai PM

Thai leaders have insisted it is not yet an appropriate time for ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return to Thailand, suggesting that further discussion on the matter is needed.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Friday reiterated that if Thaksin wants to return, it should be decided clearly whether it is the right time yet, the Thai News Agency reported.

Surayud made no comment on the maneuvering of Khunying Pojaman, Thaksin's wife, who sought a meeting with Privy Council president Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda on Thursday, which was seen as an attempt to secure the return of her husband.

Surayud said he did not know whether her move would make any political waves, the report said.

Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin said whether or when the deposed prime minister should return must still be jointly discussed between the CNS and the interim government.

Meanwhile, former Democrat prime minister and current chief party advisor Chuan Leekpai said that Thaksin is a Thai citizen and so is entitled to return to his homeland whenever he wants.

However, he said, the reasons why the September 19 coup d'etat happened must be explained to the public first. The former premier implied that mismanagement by Thaksin administration was the rationale for the coup.

Source: Xinhua