Thaksin Shinawatra: Moment exiled former prime minister returns to Thailand with children after 17 years

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand today after 17 years in exile in a historic homecoming, coinciding with a bid by his political allies to form a new government with some of its biggest rivals.

Thaksin, arguably Thailand's most famous politician and the fugitive figurehead of the populist movement Pheu Thai, was seen landing at Bangkok Don Mueang international airport and greeting supporters.

Thaksin fled abroad in 2008 to avoid a jail sentence for abuse of power, two years after the military toppled him alleging corruption and disloyalty to the monarchy, which he has vehemently refuted.