Thai FM: Thaksin to return "very soon"

BANGKOK, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama affirmed that coup-ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra would return to the country "very soon," when asked about the date in a TV program on Monday.

Noppadon, who was former legal adviser to Thaksin, gave the response when asked about when Thaksin will be back by Sanom Pao Station, a TV Channel 5 program, according to the Bangkok Post news website.

Noppadon also explained about Thaksin's resumption of his diplomatic passport.

The new foreign minister said that Thaksin, whose diplomatic passport was revoked after the September 2006 military coup toppled his government, now has the privilege of using the red-cover passport once again after it was returned to him.

Thailand's Foreign Ministry earlier reinstated Thaksin's diplomatic passport on Saturday, less than two weeks after Noppadon was appointed foreign minister of the new elected coalition government headed by People Power Party, which is closely tied with Thaksin.

Critics said this is a move to pave way for Thaksin's return.

The former premier has been living in a self-exile overseas, mostly in London, Britain, since the coup. Earlier reports quoted his close aides as saying that he would return to Thailand in April or May to fight the corruption charges against him in court.

"In the past, every prime minister, whether ousted or not, has received the special privilege of getting a diplomatic passport. Therefore, to ensure that the Foreign Ministry's regulations are abided by, Mr. Thaksin should also get one," said Noppadon.

He described the way in which Thaksin's passport was revoked as "an illegitimate move" by the coup-makers.

"Every former prime minister should be treated equally and as foreign minister, I am here to ensure that," said Noppadon.

Thaksin has said he would come back soon and will announce the exact date of his return on Tuesday, according to what he declared when he phoned in to convey message to a crowd of supporters rallying in Thailand's northern province Chiang Rai on Sunday.