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"The government has a direct responsibility to safeguard the country's reputation and I believe the prime minister must step in to reason with the international community," he said.

Abhisit voiced concern that Thaksin would mount a publicity campaign to smear the country by citing issues relating to justice and safety in order to boost the chance for him and his family to secure asylum.

To counter the anticipated publicity offensive, the government need to put national interests above lingering ties between coalition politicians and Thaksin, he said.

Reacting to reports Thaksin had called on supporters to help him sway the judicial review, he said leading figures should not set a bad example by undermining their own country.

Meanwhile, a group of six MPs from the People Power Party lodged a declaration at the British Embassy arguing that Thaksin faced unfair judicial proceedings and that this had driven him into exile.

Group leader Surapong Tovichakchaikul MP said he outlined how and why five laws were enacted or amended to frame Thaksin.

"I did not try to fault the judiciary but point out flawed proceedings at the level of the Office of the Attorney General and the National Counter Corruption Commission," he said.

Thaksin had no chance of being acquitted under unfair provisions, he claimed, referring to the five laws, which include the junta's announcement to form the Assets Examination Committee and amendments of the anti-graft law "tailored" for lawsuits involving Thaksin.

He said he and a number of fellow lawmakers would go to England next month to pay a visit to Thaksin for moral support.