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Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Tuesday he was ready to return to Thailand to be prime minister if it is the people's wish for him to solve the country's problems. He also called for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the House of Representatives to return power to the people.

Mr Thaksin said this through a video link to the seminar "Three years after the Sept 19 coup" organised by the 111 Thai Rak Thai Foundation. The foundation was set up by the 111 former executives of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai.

"Many people ask whether I want to return to be prime minister. If it is the people's wish, I would be ready to do so," said Mr Thaksin, adding he was grateful to the red shirts who had done considerably for him.

The former prime minister said before the Sept 19 coup he intended to withdraw from politics after completing his term in 2009. He said he planned to hold a big party for relatives and friends on July 26 this year to celebrate his birthday and to write a resignation letter at Government House, but the coup destroyed his plan.

He said the coup has created a few new rich who hold the rank of general. The people have got the dictatorial 2007 constitution and weak politics; the country has been indebted and more divided; the military has become stronger but the police weaker; the judicial system has apparently applied double standards, said Mr Thaksin.

Yongyuth Wichaidit, the Puea Thai leader, said the Sept 19 coup has caused the severest damage to the country. The people are living in the hope to see Mr Thaksin return, he added.


Writer: BangkokPost.com
Published: 22/09/2009 at 06:13 PM