Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra has announced a plan to end his self-imposed exile overseas and return to Thailand this year as "a gift for Thais".
The fugitive former premier dropped the bombshell during a ClubHouse chat under his alias Tony Woodsome on Tuesday night to discuss lessons learnt from the tsunami devastation in 2004 to apply in the fight against Covid-19.
He urged Thais to transform their patience into strength and make preparations as he predicted the economy would turn around in the second half of this year.
"I'd like to offer my blessing, but I'm not sure if it is a curse for those who dislike me. I wish to return home to help. I'd like to raise my grandchildren for the remainder of my time.
"No matter who is in power, if they want me to help solve problems, I'm ready. There'll be no charge. I can give a lecture for one o-liang (cold, sweet black coffee with crushed ice) in return," he said.
He also discussed how he would mobilise the country's millionaires to promote startups and develop applications for taxi drivers, homestay businesses and job seekers.
Thaksin, who fled the country in 2008 shortly before being convicted by the Supreme Court for abuse of authority in connection with a land purchase deal, insisted that he would return "in peace".
"Let me say my return won't be a problem for Thai people, only a benefit."
"I hope that in 2022 I'm a gift to the Thai people...to return and serve Thai people," he said.
Thaksin said he would let his youngest daughter Paethongtan Shinawatra know when he would be coming back and noted that he would also play golf with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Ms Paethongtan officially joined the main opposition Pheu Thai Party in October last year as its chief adviser on public participation and innovations. She is believed to be one of the party's prime ministerial candidates.
Thaksin also said the government should not panic about the Omicron Covid variant when asked about the possibility of the "Test & Go" entry programme being scrapped.