The great getaway

Discussions on whether and why Thaksin Shinawatara should go into exile and seek political asylum lasted a month, before a decision was made and plans were finalised.

Thaksin Shinawatra's decision to go back into exile overseas followed two meetings with Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej in the past month, a highly placed source in the People Power party (PPP) said.

The two men discussed ways the PPP could deal with the anti-government sentiment that had intensified since Mr Thaksin's return from his first period of self-exile, the source said.

Mr Thaksin had agreed to meet with Mr Samak and discuss the possibility of his leaving the country again after people close to him several times urged him to stay overseas until the political rifts in the country eased.

People in Mr Thaksin's close circle pointed out that his presence in Thailand had undesirably painted the PPP-led coalition as a nominee government serving his interests, the source said. This image had been the cause of many of the difficulties the government experienced. It could not push through implementation of its policies, Mr Thaksin was told.

Members of the previous government also mistrusted him.

Negative rumours about Mr Thaksin were frequently circulated and he could not control the situation. More importantly, the political rifts between pro-and anti-Thaksin people had turned increasingly violent.

Because of this people around Mr Thaksin suggested that he leave Thailand and live in exile abroad, said the source.

At the two meetings Mr Thaksin discussed his best options with Mr Samak.

People close to Mr Thaksin were informed about two weeks in advance that he would not return to Bangkok to report to the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions yesterday, as required, said the source.

Mr Thaksin had employed a team of lawyers in Britain to make an application for political asylum, the source said. It was believed they had already filed the papers.

The source said it was expected that Mr Thaksin's absence would lead to an easing of political tensions and that Mr Samak would be in sole control of the administration.