Maybe not everybody wants Thaksin to return

Since Yingluck was named prime minister, even before she officially began her job, her government started working for her brother's return.

Even before the government's policies were announced in Parliament, Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul called on the Japanese to allow Thaksin to visit. Though Surapong and Yingluck have both denied this, Japan's chief cabinet secretary said that the Thai government "asked for our help" in issuing a visa for Thaksin and that Tokyo went ahead out of consideration for "bilateral ties".

This, among other things, raises the question of why this government is working so openly to help Thaksin?

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung has revived the issue of a royal pardon for Thaksin, the petition for which was filed by the red shirts two years ago. He has also brought up the issue of the Ratchada land case, for which Thaksin was sentenced to two years in jail by the Supreme Court. Chalerm now says that since the sale of the land was nullified, Thaksin has done nothing wrong.

Also, it appears as if the government is reshuffling a lot of high-ranking officials for Thaksin's benefit. The first move was to give the police chief's post to Priewpan Damapong, the older brother of Thaksin's ex wife Pojaman na Pombejra. The most recent reshuffle was at the Justice Ministry, where key positions were assigned to those close to Thaksin.

The question is why is the government rushing to help Thaksin?

The clearest answer to this query came from Chalerm, who said: "Many people support Pheu Thai because of Thaksin, because they want us to bring him back. Besides promising economic and welfare programmes, Pheu Thai candidates also won support because they promised that bringing Thaksin back would be their top priority."

During his visit to The Nation newsroom on Monday, Deputy PM and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit said: "Where justice is concerned, matters should not be delayed by a single day. It may appear as if this government is moving too quickly to help Thaksin, but the fact that nothing happened under the previous government is overlooked."

He admitted that that some people did not like Thaksin, but added that this number has not increased and might even be dropping. Thaksin's supporters, though, are rising in numbers at an alarming rate.

So, is it possible for him to return and when?

A high-ranking Pheu Thai source said Thaksin is still insisting that he will only return if his jail term is revoked. "He has always said he will not spend a single day behind bars. Personally, I don't think he is ready to return just yet, especially since there are many matters still waiting to be sorted out."

Apart from Thaksin's personal reasons, maybe many key members - with the exception of Yingluck - would not want their boss to return just yet. Many will benefit from Thaksin living in exile.

For instance Chalerm, the very man who seems to be pushing for the former PM's return, might be the first who does not want Thaksin to come home.

Chalerm often acts as if he is the premier and is obviously enjoying this power.

Why? Because Thaksin is not here.

Also, Chalerm has made it clear that he is the only person in the Yingluck government who can fight against the opposition Democrat Party.

A source close to Chalerm said that Thaksin calls Chalerm up four times a week - even more than Yingluck does.

"Thaksin wants Chalerm to protect his sister, who is a political novice," the source said.

Apart from Chalerm, there is a group of 111 banned politicians who might not want Thaksin to return. After all, this group is trying to build its power base in this government and is working hard to influence Thaksin because it is not too happy with the role Chalerm is playing.

Now, if Thaksin returns, will these factions be able to control the ruling party and the government? So, apart from his enemies, perhaps Thaksin's men are also putting up obstacles to his way back home.