Army-backed Thai PM has 'no problem' with Thaksin's return |
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Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:13
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BANGKOK (Thomson Financial) - Thailand's military-installed prime minister said Wednesday he had 'no problem' with the possible return of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra, whose allies claimed victory in weekend polls.Surayud Chulanont, who was appointed by the generals who staged the September 2006 coup, said the country would have to wait for the election results to be confirmed, but was confident a government would be formed.'I want the country's situation to return to normal soon and if (Thaksin) returns, there will be no problem,' said Surayud, a former general.Thaksin told reporters in Hong Kong on Tuesday that he wanted to return to Thailand from his self-imposed exile by February at the earliest, and called for reconciliation with the military.People Power Party, made up of Thaksin's allies, won 233 of the 480 seats in parliament, just short of the absolute majority needed to govern alone. It is now wooing smaller parties to try to form a coalition government.The military has tried to erase Thaksin's influence from the country, but failed to win over rural voters loyal to the deposed premier.General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who led the coup against Thaksin, has vowed to press ahead with corruption probes against him even if his allies form the next government.afp/zrzr/zrCOPYRIGHTCopyright Thomson Financial News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.The copying, republication or redistribution of Thomson Financial News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Financial News.
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Pro-Thaksin party leads in Thailand's post-coup election - exit polls- UPDATE 