Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand from exile today.
Within minutes of arriving, the telecoms billionaire surrendered to police on a corruption charge following 18 months away since the 2006 coup.
His palms clasped together in a gesture of respect, the 59-year-old knelt down and placed his forehead on the pavement.
Thousands of supporters waving roses and "We love Thaksin" banners cheered their hero, who was then whisked away in a motorcade of limousines to the Supreme Court, where he was granted eight million baht (€178,173) bail.
Thaksin was ousted by generals accusing him of presiding over rampant corruption and disrespecting revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
"When the game is over, we must come together and settle our differences, forgive everything and help each other push the country forward," he told reporters on the plane, a celebratory glass of champagne in his hands.
"I can prove my innocence. The allegations are empty."
Leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy, which led 100,000-strong marches against Thaksin in Bangkok that led to the coup, said they feared his allies in government would ensure he escaped the charge.