Thousands of supporters greeted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as he returned to the country Thursday to face charges of abuse of power, 17 months after being deposed in a military coup.

Deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra knees down and greets on the ground at Suvarnabhumi international airport in Bangkok.
(Apichart Weerawong/Associated Press)

Thaksin had tears in his eyes as he emerged from the VIP room of Bangkok's international airport. Supporters cheered and waved signs which read: "We love Thaksin!" He knelt and touched the ground with his forehead, his palms pressed together in the Thai gesture of respect.

The 58-year-old billionaire was then taken to court by police and released on bail.

He and his wife Pojaman face corruption and conflict of interest charges in connection with her purchase of a prime piece of Bangkok real estate in 2003, while he was prime minister. They are also accused of concealing ownership of shares in the family's real estate holding company.

He could face up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

Thaksin was ousted in September 2006, after military leaders accused him of corruption and undermining democracy.

But Thaksin says the charges against him are politically motivated. He is legally banned from all political activity for five years, and in a news conference Thursday said he has no intention of being involved in politics.

"I want to live peacefully with my family and die in this motherland," he said.

But his critics say he already has been exerting influence from behind the scenes.

Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee said that the government would consult with Thaksin.  

"We can't appoint him to any official position, but we'll ask him for advice on the economy," Surapong told reporters.

With files from the Associated Press