Thaksin gets Japan visa
The Japanese government will allow entry to deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra later this month, Foreign Minister Surapong Towijakchaikul said yesterday.
Mr Surapong said he was informed that Tokyo had given permission for Thaksin to visit Japan, but he had not yet received confirmation from the Japanese government.Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Thongphakdi yesterday said the Japanese embassy confirmed that Tokyo had issued a special permit for Thaksin to enter the country.
However, Mr Thani said he had no details about the visit date or the type of visa.
- Analysis: Thaksin's ally is Surapong
"I'm glad former prime minister Thaksin will be able to enter Japan," Kyodo News Agency quoted Mr Surapong as saying.
"The decision to issue a visa for the former premier is purely at the discretion of the Japanese authorities."
Mr Surapong on Thursday asked for Japan's cooperation in helping along Thaksin's Japan trip.
Thaksin's supporters say he plans to visit Japan from Aug 22 to 28, during which time he intends to visit areas in Miyagi prefecture in northeastern Japan devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
Meanwhile, Mr Surapong played down concerns over rumours Thaksin would have his diplomatic passport restored.
Mr Surapong said he would strictly follow related laws and regulations on the matter.
He said his priority was not to return Thaksin's passport but to resume good relations with Thailand's neighbours.
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