BANGKOK, Aug 22 (AFP) - Thailand's divisive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra touched down by private jet in Bangkok on Tuesday, local media reported, returning to the kingdom after 15 years in exile.

Public broadcaster Thai PBS said he arrived at 9:00 am (0200 GMT) and showed footage of the plane at Don Mueang airport.

Thaksin bowed in homage to the Thai king's portrait as he returned to the kingdom Tuesday after 15 years in exile.

Thaksin, 74, paid his respects to King Maha Vajiralongkorn and waved in greeting to hundreds of supporters gathered at Don Mueang airport before being led away by officials to be processed on multiple outstanding criminal cases.