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Published on December 29, 2007

"Thaksin is still determined to clear his name in accordance with judicial proceedings," he said, ruling out concerns for safety on grounds that the Thai situation was very different from that prevailing in Pakistan.

After the December 23 general elections, Thaksin declared that he would return some time between February and April.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont reacted to concerns about Thaksin's safety by saying that Thais did not like or cause violence. "We shouldn't use [the assassination] as an example. If we try to solve our problems, that [event] won't take place," he said.

All concerned agencies came out to guarantee the exiled PM's security.

Police chief General Seripisut Temiyavej said Thaksin could safely return and that the police would pay special attention to the ex-PM's security. He said he would not let Pakistan's incident take place here.

"Thailand is unlike Pakistan because we have a strong monarchy institution. His Majesty the King has called for unity and honesty," he said.

Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas, Army chief General Anupong Paochinda and Supreme Commander General Boonsang Niempradit also said that they did not think an assassination would take place in Thailand.

 The Nation