Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shina-watra is ready to stand trial and defend himself against any criminal charges, his lawyer said yesterday.

But Thaksin would not cite the need to defend himself in criminal cases as an excuse to return to the country, Noppadol Pattama said.

"Thaksin has the right to defend himself in court. He has prepared and is ready for that, even though no direct accusation has yet to be made against him. The matters are just allegations," the lawyer said.

Noppadol said if the Assets Examination Committee wanted Thaksin to give any statements in any case, he and his wife Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra are willing to give full cooperation. "But we do not want the public to think that Thaksin used the opportunity to return to the country,'' he said.

Reports had earlier been circulating that Thaksin planned a return in December causing anti-Thaksin groups to demand clarification from Thaksin when he would return.

"He has no immediate plan nor has he approached anyone here to come back to Thailand. He would consider returning when the situation has returned to normalcy," Noppadol said.

"Once martial law is lifted, it will be one indication that the situation here is back to normal. Then, the former premier is much more likely to return."

Meanwhile, AEC chairman Nam Yimyaem refused to confirm that the AEC can take legal action against Thaksin over alleged irregularities in the purchase of land from Asset Management Corporation by his wife Pojaman. He said that legal experts are still debating whether Thaksin can be taken to task for his wife's purchase of land.

Asked if both spouses have to agree on a land purchase, Nam said according to the civil law, they do. If a spouse buys land without the other partner's agreement, he or she has committed a civil offence. However, the Land Department law does not stipulate whether it is an offence.

"We have to let the court decide. We are probing to find more evidence and if we do, we can press charges,'' he said.

He said the AEC had not summoned Pojaman to give a statement over the purchase and refused to say if the agency will summon Thaksin for questioning over the matter.

"He might defend himself in a letter,'' Nam said.

Meanwhile, Land Department director-general Chairerk Ditam-nart said he is willing to supply any documents the AEC requests over Pojaman's purchase of 33 rai of land for Bt772 million. He refused to elaborate which documents related to the purchase his department would supply, saying it is up to the AEC.

AEC member Udom Fuangfung voiced concern that three government agencies have yet to send documents in connection with the land purchase, saying the AEC needs more evidence to prosecute anyone involved.

He said the AEC had long ago submitted letters asking the Bank of Thailand, the Land Department and the Legal Execution Department, but none of them have sent any of the documents requested.

AEC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said the Anti-Money Laundering Commission and the Office of Attorney-General have so far failed to provide the AEC with information it requested regarding the 12 corruption cases it is probing.

AEC secretary Kaewsan Atibodhi said if the two agencies refused to give the evidence needed, the AEC will exercise the right to obtain the evidence as it has been empowered by the law to do so.