Ex-PM Thaksin delays return to Thailand

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday said he had delayed his return to the kingdom next week, as he awaits a breakthrough in a post-election gridlock that could see his family's party lead a coalition government.

The 74-year-old billionaire, who won two elections but was ousted in a 2006 military coup, has been in self-exile for 15 years and long said he wished to return home -- despite facing criminal charges that he says are politically motivated.

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Yesterday, Thaksin said that he had delayed his return due to a medical appointment.

His daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced last month that her father was due to arrive on August 10.

The Thaksin-backed Pheu Thai party has been trying to form a government, and property tycoon Srettha Thavisin is set to be its prime minister nominee.

The House speaker has pushed the date for a PM vote until after a constitutional court ruling on August 16.