Sunday, November 12, 2006

Thaksin may have to wait a year

Reports in the Bangkok Post and The Nation now suggest that deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra may have to wait a year or even more before he can return to Thailand.

General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh a senior member of the Thaksin regime, had suggested that Thaksin should be allowed to come home and be contained to his residence.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has dashed any hope of Thaksin Shinawatra returning home soon, saying the deposed leader must wait until a democratic government is established.
In his most unequivocal remark yet regarding Thaksin's London exile and his wish to return home, Surayud said: "The best way is for us to get past this problem-solving process. After a year, when we have an election and when a new government is in place, that should be the most appropriate time."

He went on to describe the "house arrest" idea as "impossible". "That would be tantamount to restraining him, which is not the way it should be. It would be like what happens in our neighbouring country. I don't think it's a good idea."

And not allowing him to return before the election IS a good idea?

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