Thaksin rules out political comeback, stresses Japan trip 'private'

TOKYO, Jan. 23 Kyodo

Ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra ruled out Tuesday any plans for a political comeback, stressing that his trips to Japan and elsewhere are ''private'' and have no political agenda.

Thaksin, who is currently based in Beijing and London, said in an interview with Kyodo News at a Tokyo hotel that he wishes to ''go back (to Thailand) as a private citizen'' and get involved in charity work.

''Almost six years (in office) is enough for me...I think it's too much for me and my family,'' he said, dismissing any prospects for him to return to the political scene.

He added that the Thai Rak Thai Party, which he established in 1998, will be handed over to younger leaders.

Thaksin, who is visiting Japan for a weeklong trip, did not give a specific timeframe for his return to Thailand, simply saying he will return only after his country achieves national reconciliation.

''I want to give time to the current government to bring national reconciliation, to bring unity, in order to drive the country forward,'' Thaksin said.

It is Thaksin's first visit to Japan since he was overthrown, after accusations of corruption and nepotism, in a bloodless coup on Sept. 19 while he was in the United States. He has not returned to Thailand since the coup.

The former Thai premier said he has devoted his time in Japan to shopping with his family and meeting old friends from the private and public sector.

He refused, however, to identify them or disclose any details of his meetings apparently in consideration of possible tension that could arise between Thailand and Japan.

Thaksin caused a stir between Thailand and Singapore when he visited the city-state earlier this month and met Singapore Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar and senior officials.

Infuriated by Thaksin's meeting with a top Singapore government official, Thailand subsequently suspended a bilateral civil service exchange program and retracted an invitation to Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo to visit Bangkok in the coming weeks.

Asked how he felt over the Thai interim government's reaction to his trip to Singapore, Thaksin called on the government to remain calm and not to get too ''nervous.''

''They have to understand it's international practice,'' he said, alluding to giving due honor and dignity to former leaders when they visit other countries.

Thaksin stressed that he has not returned to Thailand to avoid further political chaos in the country but that he has the ''full right to go back as a Thai citizen.''

He refuted the Thai military's allegations of corruption and abuse of power, saying, ''Corruption is an excuse for every coup...I am the one who is devoted to democracy, how can I abuse?''

Asked why there is continuing criticism of him, he said this may stem from the fact that the interests of certain forces were undermined by programs initiated by his administration.

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