Thaksin confirms he will return to Thailand

Bangkok: Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra confirmed he was returning from exile but pledged to stay out of politics.

The deposed leader has lived abroad since being ousted in a military coup in September 2006, but officials have said he will be welcomed back with open arms.

Speaking in Hong Kong on Wednesday, Thaksin said he couldn't wait to hug his wife and children again and that he would “never again'' enter politics.

"The country has returned to democracy, so I want to go home ... I miss my motherland," he added.

Thaksin is, along with his wife Pojaman, facing corruption charges in Thailand and will be detained by police when he lands, according to Rakkiat Wattapong, the Supreme Court secretary general.

Pichit Chuenban, Thaksin's chief lawyer said his client would surrender to police and apply for bail.