Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in his home province of Chiang Mai on his private jet on Thursday morning - his first trip following his release on parole last month.

Thaksin, accompanied by his youngest daughter and Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, her husband and their daughter, arrived at Wing 41 in Chiang Mai at 9.28am. It was Thaksin's first trip to his home province in 17 years.

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn led police to oversee security during Thaksin's visit.

The 74-year-old convicted former prime minister then visited the Royal Park Rajapruek, a 200-acre garden built in Chiang Mai's Muang district in 2006, when Thaksin was prime minister.

Thaksin held his daughter's hand throughout the trip, while a nurse closely attended to his needs as he continued to wear a neck brace.

Early Thursday morning, Thaksin paid respect at the City Pillar Shrine in Bangkok before leaving for Chiang Mai.

A Democrat Party spokesman said the public would be watching closely to see if Thaksin is being given special treatment.