He had several meetings with officials from the relevant agencies throughout the day yesterday. It appears the same old energetic Thaksin has made a comeback.

On April 4, two days after a snap election, Thaksin said in a nationwide address that he would not assume his normal duties until a new government was formed after the polls. He made that statement official in a document submitted to the Cabinet the next day.

While Thaksin's No 1 deputy, Chidchai Vanasatidya, took over his responsibilities, Thaksin focused on ceremonial duties, such as receiving foreign dignitaries and chairing the organising committee for the 60th anniversary celebrations of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

Yesterday, Cabinet members and senior permanent officials were in full force to welcome Thaksin back to Government House. Those included government ministers who were absent while Thaksin was away.

There were also more reporters and photographers than during recent weeks as those covering Thaksin's activities during his absence from Government House returned to join forces with those stationed in the compound.

Preparations were made to the last minute yesterday morning to make sure Government House was ready for Thaksin's return. All the buildings were cleaned up and roads inside the compound were dried of rainwater.

One official said her colleagues had plenty of time for shopping and private business while the premier was away, but that yesterday they were on stand by all day.

A food vendor at its canteen said sales had dropped sharply during Thaksin's absence as many officials went out to shop and ate their lunches outside. "I think I can do good business again now that the prime minister has returned," she said.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation