Jakrapob Penkair, a previous leader of the redshirts, came back to Bangkok today, concluding his 15 years of voluntary absence outside of the country.
Upon reaching Suvarnabhumi International Airport, he was taken to the Crime Suppression Division HQ, where he turned himself in regarding a 1997 arrest warrant for criminal association. His older sister and secretary were present, ready to post bail for him.
People dressed in red were also there to greet him. They showed their support by giving him red roses and urging him to keep fighting.
The 57-year-old Jakrapob announced his upcoming return from exile on his Facebook page yesterday. He expressed his desire to come back and serve the nation.
According to his secretary, Jakrapob is prepared to challenge the accusations against him, mentioning that he had been absent from Thailand for 15 years due to his involvement in certain activities and the absence of a democratic government in the country during that time.
Jakrapob used to be a spokesperson for the government during the Thaksin Shinawatra administration and a Minister at the Prime Minister's Office in the Samak Sundaravej government.
He was previously accused of lèse majesté for a speech at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Bangkok, but the charge was later withdrawn.
He went into exile shortly after the coup in 2006.
