Thailand’s fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has arrived in Japan with an offer to assist in the reconstruction of the country’s earthquake and tsunami-damaged northeastern coast.

Mr. Thaksin, a former telecommunications tycoon ousted from office in a 2006 coup, told Japan’s Kyodo news agency he will visit areas devastated by the March 11 twin disasters during his week-long stay. He is also expected to address foreign correspondents and meet with lawmakers and business leaders.