"We won't just stay in London. We will probably go to Europe to have a rest," Pansak said by telephone from London, where Thaksin owns a residence.

 As the military junta consolidates its power in Bangkok, Thaksin had until now not publicly announced his plans.

 "Dr. Thaksin, as of now, will take a deserved rest. He will be planning to work on research and development and possible charitable work for Thailand," Pansak said, according to International Herald Tribune. He read from a statement that Thaksin plans to issue later today.

 Asked what kind of charitable work Thaksin would pursue, Pansak said there were no concrete plans and that this was "a long term" goal.

 "You have to think what is the most effective charitable work," Pansak said. "Something like development of the economy. Not rocket science."

 Thaksin's family netted about $1.9 billion when it sold its main businesses in January and Thai financial analysts say they are unsure where the money is located. The country's central bank limits personal remittances to $1 million a year per person. Special permission is required for sums larger than that amount but it is unclear if Thaksin was able to transfer money while he was still in power.

 According to IHT, in the statement, Thaksin said he sought "national reconciliation."

 "The events in Thailand during the last two days should not detract from my main aim of national reconciliation," Thaksin said in the statement read by Pansak.

 "Therefore, he would like to urge all parties to find ways and means to reconcile and work toward national reconcilation for the sake of our king and country."

 Pansak said Thaksin "hopes the new regime will quickly arrange a new general election and continue to uphold the principles of democracy for the future of all Thais."