Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadol Pattama said the ex-premier was on vacation in the Chinese capital of Beijing, but denied that Thaksin had sought to meet Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont during the recent Asean-China summit in Nanning in an effort to secure permission for his return to Thailand.

"I can confirm that Thaksin is now in China. I received a report from our sources," CNS chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said. "I wonder why the Thai Embassy in Beijing did not report to us about his travels," he said.

The news about Thaksin's stay in China came up the day after Surayud returned from the summit, held on Monday and Tuesday, amid speculation that Thaksin was negotiating with coup leaders through various channels to pave the way for his "safe" return to the Kingdom.

Thaksin has lived in London, where he has a residence, since he was ousted by the coup of September 19.

Sonthi's statement added fuel to rumours that spread before Surayud's trip to China that Thaksin had sought talks with the new PM on Chinese soil.

On Tuesday, Surayud said upon his return from Nanning that he did not meet Thaksin during his trip.

Sonthi yesterday refused to say whether Thaksin had asked for permission to return to Thailand, saying only that Surayud had the authority to grant such permission.

The CNS chief was commenting on a report in a Thai-language newspaper, Matichon, which quoted a Government House source as saying that Thaksin went to China on Tuesday and tried to arrange a meeting with Surayud. However, Surayud rejected the offer.

The source said Thaksin then went to Beijing and for a holiday and to play golf.

"It is unnecessary to send our officials to monitor Thaksin's movement in China," Sonthi said.

In the meantime, Noppadol said, "Thaksin arrived in China after Surayud left for Thailand. So, they did not hold any meeting."

Thaksin would not return to Thailand at this period in time, Noppadol insisted, nor would the ex-premier stay long in China. Thaksin will return to Thailand only when the time was right and the country had returned to peace and stability, he said.

A source from the Thai Rak Thai Party said acting party leader Chaturon Chaisang would fly to Beijing to meet Thaksin in the next few days.

But the Thai Rak Thai leader denied the report, saying he would go to China next week but to the city of Xian following an invitation from a Chinese educational agency.

"It's a coincidence that Thaksin is in Beijing at this period of time," he said.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva urged Thaksin to address the Thai people if he planned to return to the Kingdom.

"Instead of letting his aides pass his messages, Thaksin himself should tell the whole nation about his intention. That would be a way to end the confusion among all parties," he said.