Thaksin back home, faces charges

BANGKOK, Thailand (CNN) -- Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on bail Thursday after appearing in the country's Supreme Court to face charges of corruption and abuse of power.

The court released Thaksin -- who returned to Bangkok on Thursday after 17 months in exile -- on bail of 8 million baht, or about $267,560.

However, bail would be revoked if he travels outside Thailand without the court's permission or does anything to interfere with his case, the court said.

Thaksin faces corruption charges in two separate cases and he could receive a maximum of 15 years in prison. Thaksin also faces separate charges of concealing assets

However, his popularity remains strong in the country. Supporters danced, beat drums and sang as Thaksin returned Thursday, vowing to restore his reputation following his ouster in a coup.

Thaksin had tears in his eyes as he emerged from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to face supporters. He knelt and touched the ground with his forehead, hands clasped together in the Thai greeting.

Roga Kantapura, 33, who owns a car dealership in Bangkok, called Thaksin a "hero, a real hero" devoted to the poor and the country.

"This guy could eat gold for dinner, diamonds for breakfast, he has so much money he doesn't care about money," Mr Kantapura told The Associated Press.

Both Thaksin and his wife Pojamarn face charges stemming from a Bangkok land deal and an alleged stock concealment plan.

In the real estate transaction, Thaksin's wife is accused of purchasing undeveloped land for about a third of its estimated value. She has pleaded not guilty, is free on five million baht (about $168,000) bail and is under orders not to leave the country.

Thaksin's two younger sisters and all of his 3 children were with him at the court.

Thaksin headed to the Department of Special Litigation, a branch of the prosecutor's office, after his court appearance.

On the plane from Hong Kong, Thaksin said he was excited to be returning to Thailand but had mixed feelings about it. He again denied the allegations of corruption and said he planned to fight his case in court. Watch CNN's Dan Rivers describe Thaksin's return to Bangkok »

About 10 or 15 of his staffers at the front of the plane applauded, as it landed in Thailand, said CNN's Dan Rivers, who was also on the plane.

In addition to appearing before court, Thaksin may go to pay respects to Thailand's king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rivers said. Asked if Thaksin had an appointment, he replied it would be up to the king to decide whether to grant him an audience.

He and some of his staffers wore black suits and ties out of respect for the king's sister, Princess Galyani Vadhana, who died in January, Rivers said.

The AP reported that just hours after his arrival, Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee said the government would consult Thaksin, who is legally banned from all political activity for five years, for economic advice.

"We can't appoint him to any official position, but we'll ask him for advice on the economy," Surapong told reporters.

The 58-year-old telecommunications tycoon and owner of the English Premier League Manchester City Football Club has lived abroad since being deposed in a bloodless military coup in September 2006, despite two landslide victories by his party.

In December his allies, the People Power Party, won nearly half the seats in the lower house, paving the way for his return, but he has said he would not re-enter politics.

Speaking during a news conference at a luxury hotel, where he was flanked by family members, Thaksin said he no longer wants to be involved in politics. "I want to live peacefully with my family and die in this motherland," he said. E-mail to a friend

CNN's Kochakorn J. Olarn contributed to this report.

Copyright 2008 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.

All About Thaksin Shinawatra