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Published on August 3, 2007

"He is totally finished with his political career and unlikely to be an active participant of the People Power Party or to give financial support to them," Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin's legal adviser, told a press conference at the Radisson Hotel.

"If the party's executives would like to ask him for advice, I think Thaksin would be willing to give it," Noppadon was quoted by Agence France-Presse as saying.

Thai Rak Thai, the former governing party, was dissolved in May by a Constitution Tribunal ruling in an electoral fraud case. As a result, 111 party executives, including Thaksin and many of TRT's key figures, were stripped of their electoral rights for five years.

More and more former MPs from TRT are joining the little-known party, which Thaksin's ally and veteran politician Samak Sundaravej is expected to lead.

"I believe that those who formerly supported Thai Rak Thai would be ready to support People Power in the new election," said Noppadon, who is among those who have joined the party.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said he viewed the TRT group's merger with PPP as an attempt to acquire personal gain. He said his party was unlikely to work with the PPP after the general election if the latter is associated with Thaksin.