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BANGKOK : Ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra won't be returning to his home country this month.
This is according to his lawyer, citing security concerns after Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont gave Mr Thaksin the green light to return to fight graft charges.
Army chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin denies that he is planning to fire the prime minister and impose martial law in Bangkok.
Instead, authorities are bracing for another large pro-Thaksin rally in the capital on Friday.
"I announced plans of Thaksin's return two days ago, and the CNS (Council for National Security) chief said he should not come back because the government couldn't guarantee his safety. Therefore, we have to take this into consideration. But with cases against him, especially the disputed land deal in Ratchada, he does need to come back," says Thaksin's lawyer Noppadol Pattama.
Many in the Kingdom are concerned about the political fallout Thaksin's return might cause.
"Maybe Thaksin's return will worsen the political situation, but in my opinion, he should come back to prove his innocence," says one Thai resident.
"If Thaksin returns, it may trigger more problems between two parties - the CNS and Thaksin's supporters," says another.
Looking ahead to the upcoming general elections, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva insists that Thaksin's former party should be allowed to participate, for a truly competitive political race.
"I was one of the first to call for the military, government and the Electoral Commission to allow the supporters and members of Thai Rak Thai party to register a new party as soon as possible. And if they wish to use the old name of Thai Rak Thai, they should be allowed to do so," says Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Thais are eager to see if Thaksin will be able to defend himself against the corruption charges, which was the core justification for last year's coup d'etat.
Observers say investigations against Thaksin must be seen as lawful and not politically driven, so as to prevent sympathy and increased support for the ousted Thai premier. - CNA /ls
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