Former Thai premier Yingluck meets, hugs brother Thaksin at Paris

Former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra was re-united with her brother Thaksin upon arriving in Paris after flying out of Thailand early on Thursday, reported Bangkok media.

Ms Yingluck and her son left Bangkok to begin a 20-day holiday that was approved by the junta.

Thaksin's son Panthongtae Shinawatra posted an photo on Instagram showing his father embracing a woman warmly. The woman's clothing matched what Ms Yingluck was seen wearing when she left Suvarnabhumi airport at Bangkok.

Ms Yingluck and her son left Bangkok for Paris on flight TG930, which departed at 12.05 am Thursday.

She spoke to reporters at the airport late on Wednesday, before departing: "Let me take a leisure trip with my son. Please let's talk when I return in August," she said.

Bangkok Post also reported that Ms Yingluck is scheduled to return to Thailand on Aug 10. She said earlier she planned to visit various parts of Europe, such as France, the UK, Germany, Belgium and the USA.

Ms Yingluck's vacation started amidst speculation that she may not return to Bangkok to fight a case of alleged negligence in overseeing a controversial rice-pledging scheme.

She is expected to Thaksin's 65th birthday celebrations. Thaksin's ex-wife is also expected to be at the party.