Thaksin Shinawatra will return to Thailand on a private jet, landing at Don Mueang airport, according to a senior member of the Chartthaipattana Party and close friend who recently visited the former prime minister.

Chartthaipattana secretary-general Praphat Phothasuthon spoke after returning from meeting Thaksin in Hong Kong, where the political fugitive celebrated his 74th birthday last week.

Mr Praphat, who is also 74, said he and Thaksin were old friends and he always went to see him on his birthday, wherever he was. He also said there was no talk of any political deals during their two-hour conversation.

Mr Praphat quoted Thaksin as saying that he would return to Thailand on a private jet that would land at Don Mueang airport. He would then be taken to a court and was willing to go to jail if so required, according to Mr Praphat. He did not say when Thaksin would return.

Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently said Thaksin would return at Don Mueang airport on Aug 10.

Thaksin was overthrown by a military coup on Sept 19, 2006, while he was overseas. He has since lived in self-exile, based in Dubai, except for a brief visit to Thailand in 2008.

During his absence, the Supreme Court sentenced him to a total of 12 years imprisonment in four cases.