Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has quietly resumed some official duties, his deputy has said, six weeks after he tearfully stepped aside in the wake of weeks of street protests in Bangkok.

 

"Prime Minister Thaksin is now involved with many issues, such as arranging state ceremonies to mark the king's 60th year on the throne," Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasathidya told reporters.

 

Chidchai has been serving as acting prime minister since Thaksin stepped aside following controversial April 2 elections.

 

Thaksin's party won the polls with 56 percent, but his victory was undermined by an opposition boycott that encouraged many Thais to cast protest votes.

 

But the Constitutional Court last week invalidated the election, and ordered new polls that are tentatively set for October 22.

 

Chidchai said the court's decision had changed Thailand's political landscape, allowing Thaksin to resume some of his official duties.

 

"Personally I have not yet discussed it with Prime Minister Thaksin, but it's his decision" about whether to return, Chidchai said.

 

Thaksin was not at the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, which Chidchai led, but he did go to Government House on Monday for a meeting about the royal anniversary.

 

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej next month celebrates the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne with ceremonies to be attended by royalty from 30 countries.

 

Meanwhile, the Lawyers Council of Thailand has sued Thaksin, saying that his decision to take leave was unconstitutional and demanding that he return any salary received for the last six weeks.

 

The government has insisted that Thaksin's leave is legal.

 

(Chinadaily.com.cn via agencies, May 17, 2006)