Exiled ex-PM Thaksin pledges return to Thailand for driver’s funeral

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, exiled since 2008, today confirmed he is returning to Thailand next month. The 74 year old ex PM is returning to pay his respects to Wichai Changlek, Thaksin’s driver, who passed away at the age of 73. Thaksin wishes to return to attend the cremation ceremonies.

The family of Shinawatra, including his daughters Paetongtarn and Pinthongta, showed their presence at the funeral. Thaksin sent a wreath along with a message of condolence to the grieving family, asking that they delay the cremation process until he could be present in person to pay his last respects.

Having been removed from power due to a military coup in 2006, Thaksin has lived overseas since 2008 when he moved away from Thailand just before his sentencing for misuse of power. His desire to return to Thailand and face any legal repercussions has been expressed on numerous…