"He gave the reason that he wants to rest with his family," said General Winai Phattiyakul.

Winai has been assigned by the Council for Democratic Reform to have direct contact with Thaksin, who is in London.

General Surayud Chulanont, a member of the Privy Council, warned on Wednesday that if Thaksin returned to Thailand, it could create further rifts in the Kingdom.

Thai Rak Thai spokesman Sita Divari confirmed there was no confusion about Thaksin's return. "He told [deputy leader] Sudarat KeyuraphanSudarat he had no plans to return and asked for our members to assist, so that the country can to return to peace," said the spokesman.

Sita also dismissed speculation that party members were behind the arson attacks on five local schools in Kamphaeng Phet and condemned the acts.

Piyanart Srivalo,

Panya Thiewsangwan

The Nation