Thaksin calls for national unity

"I want to see unity among people in the country. I don't want to see the plenty conflicts going on," Thaksin said.

He said the poor would suffer the most from the ongoing political rivalry. "More importantly, the country will be damaged," he added.

"I am nothing; the country is the big issue. I hope Thai people will forgive one another and restore peace in the country."

The exPM said he hoped that some day people who disliked him would have a good understanding towards him.

"Today I want everyone to know that I hold no grudges against people who did bad to me," Thaksin said, adding that both rival sides should reconcile as birthday presents for Their Majesties the King and Queen.

When asked to comment on the recent violent clash, he said both sides should better save their energy to help the country struggle its problems.

Thaksin was speaking on the eve of his 59th birthday, when friends, supporters and politicians loyal to him offered their good wishes at the Shinawatra Building.

The wellwishers included former executives of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, members of the current Cabinet, MPs from the ruling People Power Party, and Thaksin's former classmates from the Armed Forces Preparatory School.

More than 100 redclad Thaksin supporters sang "Happy Birthday" and a folk song called "Prod Chuay Kan Raksa Kon Dee" (Please Save a Good Man).

Thaksin presented to his wellwishers as a souvenir, copies of a hardcover book "Thailand on the World Stage", which contains a collection of his speeches given at international forums between 2003 and this year.

He told reporters yesterday that his intention was to stay out of politics and to do his business overseas after all his legal cases were settled.

Thaksin is going to mark his birthday today (July 26) at home with his family, according to his sister Yingluck Shinawatra.