Thaksin not behind the coalition formation: Noppadon

He also denied a REUTER report that Thaksin might resume his political career after returning to his homeland, scheduled to take place anytime after midFebruary.

"Thaksin has no involvement and the People Power has all the contacts with other parties," he said, dismissing the speculation that his party has sought Thaksin's assistance to form the coalition alliance.

He ruled out news reports that Thaksin assigned Matchima faction leader Somsak Thepsuthin and a banned party executive Suriya Jungrungruengkit to broker the coalition deal.

He said Thaksin and his wife Khunying Pojaman would definitely end their London exile and return to fight their charges some time between February and April.

"Thaksin intends to clear his name like other Thai citizens and will not try to interfere with the judicial proceedings," he said.

He said his client was confident to win an acquittal to all charges laid against him as a frameup to justify the September 19 coup.

Ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he may return to Thailand `from February onwards' and will go back as a ``normal citizen."

He repeated his earlier promise that he would stay out of politics.

However he said he is willing to However, he said he would be willing to act as a political adviser to the People's Power Party - if asked.

Speaking at a press conference in Hong Kong on Tuesday, Thaksin said while he wants to return quickly, he'll play it by ear and return when the situation allows.

The Thaksin-allied People Power Party on Dec. 23 won the most seats in Thailand's first election and is negotiating to form a coalition.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Tuesday he will "explore options" in February about a return to Thailand but will not resume his career in politics after being ousted in a bloodless coup d'etat last year.

"I really want to go back as a normal citizen. Enough is enough for politics," Thaksin claimed.

The Nation, Agencies