BANGKOK, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said this week the scheduled return of his deposed predecessor, Thaksin Shinawatra, should be approached cautiously.
Samak said to have Thaksin return to Thailand earlier than originally scheduled could potentially disrupt the state of normalcy the Asian country is currently enjoying, The Bangkok Post reported Saturday.
"I think the political situation has returned to normalcy," Samak said Friday. "The entire world has congratulated us on this. They are happy for us. So, I will not discuss (about Mr. Thaksin's return). Let the matter take its course."
Thaksin is living in exile outside of Thailand after being accused of corruption and abusing the power of his position.
Samak said Thaksin, who is scheduled to return in May, did have a right to return to his native land.
"I see him as an ordinary Thai who has the right to come back to fight the charges (against him). He will be under police protection and the Cabinet ministers will not interfere,'' he said.
