Exiled former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she respects the decision of his elder brother Thaksin to return to Thailand today (Tuesday) and wished him luck and a safe return.

This message was posted in Yingluck’s Facebook page,together with a clip showing her hugging Thaksin as she sawhim off for his flight to Thailand after 17 years, except for a brief visit to Thailand in 2008, of living in self-imposed exile abroad.

In her message, Yingluck said she understood that Thaksin felt lonely, sad and homesick throughout his exile, adding that she believes Thaksin must have thought for a long time before making the decision to return today.

She said she hopes the exiled former prime minister’s return will be smooth and safe and reminded him to look after his health.  She also asked Thaksin not to worry about her, saying that she is strong enough to take care of herself after spending six years abroad.

Thaksin arrived at Don Mueang airport at 9am this morning on a private jet from Singapore. After going through normal immigration procedures, he will be escorted by police and Corrections Department officials to the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders, in the Sanam Luang area, to be served with the detention warrant by the court.

The ex-prime minister is facing ten years in prison on three convictions.