Thai PM says Thaksin can decide when to return home

Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said on Saturday the government is ready to provide security if ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra is to return to Thailand, but it is up to him to decide when is the appropriate time to come back.

"It's all up to Thaksin's decision," Surayud said during a television interview aired on Saturday morning, adding that he is ready to talk to Thaksin if he contacts him.

"I've been ready (to talk to Thaksin) since the past nine months," said the premier.

He added that Thaksin has called him twice since he took office, and the last time Thaksin called was months ago.

He said he believes the ousted premier will try to talk to him on the freezing assets of him and his family.

Surayud insisted that the situation is under control despite that pro-Thaksin groups have staged daily rallies at Bangkok's Sanam Luang Square during the past weeks.

Source: Xinhua