Jakrapob Penkair, who used to be a leader for the redshirt group, came back to Bangkok today after 15 years of self-imposed exile abroad and has been released after paying Bt400,000 for bail.
Upon reaching Suvarnabhumi International Airport, he was taken to the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) HQ, where he turned himself in for the 1997 arrest warrants that accuse him of criminal association and gun possession, allegations he has denied.
His older sister and secretary were present and posted bail for him.
Jakrapob informed journalists that he had discussed his return to Thailand with certain individuals before making the decision, but he declined to provide further details. At the CSD, people in red clothing, who were supportive, awaited him, presenting him with red roses and urging him to keep up his fight.
Jakrapob, aged 57, announced his upcoming return from exile on his Facebook page the day before, stating that he wishes to come back to serve the nation.
His secretary informed the media that Jakrapob is prepared to challenge the charges brought against him, and mentioned that he stayed away from Thailand for 15 years due to his involvement in 'missions' and the absence of a democratic government in Thailand during that period.
Jakrapob was a spokesperson for the government during the Thaksin Shinawatra administration and served as a PM Office Minister in the Samak Sundaravej government.
He was previously accused of lèse-majesté for a speech he gave at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Bangkok, although the charge was later withdrawn. He went into exile shortly after the coup in 2006.
