He said this groundless report could possibly come as the cabinet today promoted Chidchai, the second deputy premier, to be the first, replacing Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

"The decision is made because there is rally in Bangkok and Chidchai is overseeing the national security. So if something happens, he could be in charge," Thaksin said.

Earlier there were reports that negotiation is taking place to ease political crisis with a change in the prime minister, a highly-placed source said on Tuesday.

The negotiation is to find potential candidate to replace embattled caretaker Thaksin. The list includes Deputy Prime Minsiter Surakiart Sathirathai and Former deputy prime minister Bokhin Palangkura.

The more preferrable candidate is Surakiart, said the source.

Thaksin had cancelled his meeting with local villagers in Ubon Ratchathani province on Tuesday morning because he is sick.

Thaksin who is in Ubon Ratchathani to campaign for snap election told reporters that he felt not good so he will not go to visit Noi Market and provincial stadium and meet local people.

However he still chaired a teleconference cabinet meeting from the Government House. His schedule to travel to Si Sa Ket province in the afternoon is still on.

Thaksin is in the northeastern region to campaign for his Thai Rak Thai party while thousands of protesters led by People's Alliance for Democracy started moving from Sanam Luang to the Government House to demand for his resignation.

The Nation