Although the situation is expected to remain under control, the soldiers will strictly follow the direct order of the Army chief if disturbance erupts, First Army Region commander Lt General Prayuth Chanocha said.

"Thaksin's return should lead to the improved situation and not violent confrontation," he said.

He said the military would focus on the main mission of ensuring the security of the country and its borders, though remaining vigilant to keep tap on the general situation with the cooperation of police and the city administration.

Democrat Party secretary general Suthep Thuagsuban said he welcomed Thaksin's decision to end his exile and return to fight his graft charges.

Suthep voiced optimism that Thaksin's return would not trigger the revival of street protests by the People's Alliance for Democracy, arguing the the PAD had no cause to reactivate its activities if the government would not interfere with the justice system.

The Office of the Attorney General would submit its prosecution opinions relating Thaksin's bail application if asked by the Supreme Court, its spokesman Thanapit Mulpruek said, though refusing to reveal whether the prosecution would oppose bail.

"When Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, Thaksin's wife, sought and received her temporary release, the high court did not ask for the prosecution opinions but public prosecutors might be involved in the bail review this time," he said.

Upon his arrival, Thaksin is expected to post two bail applications - one submitted at the high court relating to the Ratchadapisek land scandal and the other filed with the Department of Special Investigation relating to the violations of the disclosure rules on the SC Asset case.

Pojaman was granted bail in the two cases by the judicial and prosecution reviews in January.

Thaksin's lawyer Pichit Chuenban said his client wanted to return home quietly.

"Thaksin wants his return to remain a low key event without any fanfare and has asked the people not to welcome him at the airport as this would cause inconveniences for other travellers," Pichit said. --The Nation