Thailand may be unsafe for Thaksin

By Wassana Nanuam and Manop Thip-Osod

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra can return to Thailand to defend his frozen assets, but the man who overthrew him says he can't guarantee Mr Thaksin's safety.

Coup leader Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), responded on Wednesday to a remark by Noppadon Pattama, a legal adviser to Mr Thaksin, that his boss might have to return to Thailand to defend the assets that the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) has ordered frozen on several charges.

"When he was here, many people were frustrated. If he comes at this time of crisis, please do not forget that most people still remember the old feelings. So if Mr Thaksin returns now, it may not be safe," Gen Sonthi said.

If he comes back, Gen Sonthi said, the CNS would have a heavy burden ensuring his safety.

If any third party did something to Mr Thaksin, the CNS could be blamed, he said.

However, he said he did not think Mr Thaksin would actually want to return for the time being.

"There are those who adore him and there are also many who dislike him. It is unnecessary to take the risk," he said.

Regarding the defence of Mr Thaksin's frozen assets, Gen Sonthi said Mr Thaksin should not return immediately because the overall situation does not yet appear to be in order.

When asked about the possibility of Mr Thaksin joining anti-government rallies, Gen Sonthi said the rules must be respected.

He also shrugged off reports that Mr Thaksin was hiring foreign lobbyists to persuade the global community to boycott Thailand for being undemocratic.

Gen Sonthi said the government would explain it was punishing a wrongdoer according to the law and the international community should be able to understand that.

Security has also been boosted for Gen Sonthi and CNS deputy secretary-general Saprang Kalayanamitr as their intelligence staff have warned of possible threats against them amid the current political tensions.

In the meantime, leaders of the Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties met yesterday to exchange views on political developments.

It was the first meeting of the former opposition alliance since the coup makers' order banning political parties was lifted last week. Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said although Mr Thaksin had the right to defend his assets, he should delay his return to save the country from further turmoil.

Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa warned Mr Thaksin to think carefully about his own safety. All three party leaders still expect the next general election to be organised this year.

Secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Democracy Suriyasai Katasila warned that anti-Thaksin protesters would not sit idly by if his return stirred up trouble for the country.