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Published on April 5, 2008

The ex-premier has been on a merit-making tour in the northern provinces of Phayao and Chiang Rai over the last couple of days, according to his spokeswoman Sansanee Nakpong.

PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair and Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat, along with House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat, former deputy public health minister Anutin Charnveerakul and former deputy interior minister Sermsak Pongpanit were part of Thaksin's entourage.

They were joined by People Power Party MPs from Phayao, Chiang Rai and Samut Prakan.

On Thursday, Thaksin went to Wat Sri Kom Kam in Phayao and then Wat Phra That Doi Tung in Chiang Rai, where local villagers held a "large and ornate" rite aimed at extending his longevity, Sansanee said.

That evening, Thaksin hosted a small birthday party for Yongyuth, although the Speaker rarely celebrates his birthday, she said.

Yongyuth, who is a deputy leader of the ruling People Power Party, has been technically suspended from duty pending a ruling from the Supreme Court whether to uphold the Election Commission's disqualification of his status as an MP for electoral fraud.

Yesterday morning, Thaksin and others in his entourage went to Wat Phra That Chomkitti in Chiang Rai. Yongyuth played host in the merit-making ceremony, according to the spokeswoman.

She said Thaksin met several supporters, both local politicians and residents, during his latest trip upcountry. "He said he was happy to meet his supporters. And I could see that from his facial expression."

Thaksin, his son Panthongtae and others flew to Bangkok from Chiang Rai yesterday.

The ex-PM leaves today for Cambodia to meet Prime Minister Hun Sen, the spokeswoman said.

Next week, Thaksin will meet foreign investors interested in biodiesel projects in Thailand, including Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal.

During the Songkran festival, Thaksin is going to stay in his home town of Chiang Mai.

The Nation