Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Thailand’s Supreme Court granted bail to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who landed in his homeland today after 17 months in voluntary exile.
At a press conference at Bangkok’s Peninsula Hotel, the telecommunications magnate, ousted in a military coup in September 2006, said that he came back to prove his innocence and “restore” his “reputation”.
Pledging to forgo politics, he announced that he will instead devote himself to social issues and contribute to sport and education in Thailand.
A few minutes after arriving at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, Mr Thaksin was arrested on corruption charges. But before he left the airport, he knelt and touched the ground with his forehead in a sign of respect for his country. He was then taken straight to the Supreme Court where he was granted bail (on payment of 8 million baht or about US$ 270,000).
He is free until 12 March when the first hearing in his trial is scheduled to begin.
He is charged on two counts of corruption that allegedly occurred during his time as a prime minister (2001-2006). He faces up to 15 years in jail.
Thousands of supporters gathered at Bangkok's main airport to greet him as a returning hero. After singing, dancing and shouting slogans, the crowd dispersed.
Many believe that despite his statements Thaksin will continue to pull the strings of power in Thai politics.
Recently a new government led by the People's Power Party, successor to Thaksin’s Thai Rak Thai party, took office.
Newly-appointed Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is believed to be a close Thaksin’s ally.