Speaking to reporters, Thaksin, who is under pressure to halt his planned importation of wild animals and birds from Kenya, said he had merely plan to make suggestions to the Thai private sector to invest in the African country because of its attractions.

Thaksin said he has not have the time to discuss the matter with the Thai hotel chain but mentioned Dusit Thani and Plaza Athene' as sound candidates with capacity to do so.

Kenyan tourism and Wildlife Minister Morris Dzoro said yesterday authorities were scrutinising Thaksin's application.

"Thaksin has asked us about putting up a hotel here in Kenya and we are considering his application just like any other investor," Dzoro told a press conference in Nairobi yesterday.

Last November, Kenya signed an agreement to give Thailand 175 wild animals and birds for the Chiang Mai's Night Safari Park. The move sparked angry protests from wildlife activists and conservationists.

The plan was halted by a Nairobi high court pending conclusion of a suit challenging its legality.

Making matter worse, Vice Minister for the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment, Plodpasop Suratsawadee, had announced a plan to open a restaurant in the safari that sells wildlife meat.

The ministry was planning to propose to the Cabinet for debate but, amid a growing public pressure, the government decided to backed down.

The Nation