He designated his No 2, Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya, to work on his behalf during his absence.

He said the special Cabinet meeting on Wednesday would be his last Cabinet until the next government is formed.

Government Spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee later explained that the caretaker Cabinet meetings would still be held without Thaksin but Chidchai would take charge of the future meetings until the next government is formed.

Officials loaded Thaksin's personal belongings onto two pick-up trucks, which left Government House at 1:40 pm.

After the trucks left, Thaksin's son, Pantongtae Shinawatra, came to pick up Thaksin at Government House.

He walked downstairs from his office inside the Thai Kufah Building along with his son and several Thai Rak Thai leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan.

Thaksin carried with him the family portrait he used to place on his office desk.

He greeted police officers who formed lines to see him off.

Before leaving in Pantongtae's car, Thaksin told reporters that he would take a long rest with no schedule of returning to work.

Asked where he would go to rest, Thaksin replied "I'll stay around here. If I have time, I'll visit my home in Chiang Mai."

When asked whether he had decided who would be the next prime minister, Thaksin said he was still undecided and still considering candidates for the post.

Thaksin said Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak was taking charge of economic affairs for the government.

Meanwhile, the Wang Nam Yom faction of Somsak Thepsutin and Yaowapha Wongsawat announced that it supported Thai Rak Thai executive Pongthep Thepkanchana for the post of prime minister.