Thaksin back for a massage and a close shave
BANGKOK – Deposed Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was due to arrive back in Bangkok this morning where thousands of his supporters waited to greet him.
The Nation newspaper reported that Thaksin had booked an entire floor of the riverside Peninsula Bangkok Hotel to ensure his and his family’s security.
Before leaving Hong Kong early this morning on a Thai airways flight, Thaksin vowed to steer clear of politics.
“I’ve had enough,” he told Thai Public Broadcasting Service television while at a Hong Kong shopping mall.
National security sources said Thaksin was worried about his safety.
“The Peninsula hotel has its own helicopter pad and its security system is among the country’s best. If something goes wrong, Thaksin could be quickly taken out,” one source said.
The Peninsula Hotel is situated on the Thon Buri bank of the Chao Phya River.
Special Weapons and Tactics personnel were sent to the hotel on Tuesday to check security.
When in Bangkok, Thaksin wants to get a haircut, a massage and eat noodles, according to a politician who was with him in Hong Kong recently.
Measures were tight at Suvarnabhumi Airport for Thaksin’s arrival where supporters waved banners reading, “Welcome Home,” “We Love Thaksin” and “You are the Best Prime Minister.”
Thaksin is expected to face several court cases accusing him of corruption and abuse of power during his six years as prime minister from 2001-06.
“My duty is to defend myself against these unjust charges,” he said.
Tourism officials will be hoping that Thaksin’s return goes off quietly and does not lead to a downturn in international visitors to Bangkok, as happened in the months after his overthrow.
Ian Jarrett
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