Thaksin builds on Thailand return

Thaksin Shinawatra has been making a triumphant return

Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra is spending his first full day back from 17 months in exile after the 2006 coup on a public relations tour of Bangkok.

Two footballers from his Manchester City football club are due to make appearances, and he is due to visit Thailand's most revered Buddhist monk.

Thousands of jubilant supporters met him when he flew back on Thursday.

Facing charges of abuse of power, he was granted bail on condition he does not leave again without permission.

The multibillionaire, who bought Manchester City last year, has said he intends to stay out of politics now he is back in the country.

But correspondents say there are fears his return could lead to political turmoil.

Mr Thaksin was mobbed by flower-wielding well-wishers on Friday when he visited a hospital in the capital.

Manchester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and striker Kelvin Etuhu are scheduled to hold a clinic for children - which is sure to attract extensive media coverage in a country where football is avidly followed.

Mr Thaksin is also reportedly scheduled to visit the head of the Thai Buddhist clergy, Supreme Patriarch Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana Mahathera, in hospital.