"I am fine, but hot," Thaksin told a dozen photographers waiting for a glimpse of the now-exiled telecoms tycoon at the Nirwana Golf Club's ninth hole.

AP said one of two unidentified men accompanying Thaksin tried to usher off the paparazzi, but the ousted Thai leader just smiled and said "So many of you."

Thaksin, who arrived in Bali on Wednesday, was ousted Sept. 19 and has been told by the military-installed government in Thailand that he should not return home until elections, which are expected to be held next October.

He was spotted earlier this week in Hong Kong, shopping at upscale malls with his wife, and told reporters after his golf game that he wanted to stay in Bali for a week before heading to Perth, Australia or the Chinese cities of Shenzen or Beijing.

"I have been working hard for many years, I like to spend some time to relax,'' said Thaksin, adding he wanted to eventually return to Thailand, as "it is my home."

He also said he hoped for unity in his country.