With less money, Thaksin lives a costly life abroad.

Thaksin Shinawatra was staying at one of the 5-star hotels in Dubai on January 15, 2009 when he was interviewed by Naoji Shibata, branch manager of Asahi Newspaper's Southeast Asian Branch. It was a hotel suite, which cost about US$500 a night. But the hotel is not one of the best over there.

Thaksin told the Japanese journalist that he is looking for a new source of income almost every day in order to cover the expenses. He explained that he had to sell Man City Football club for the same reason.

Thaksin expected that Pheu Thai Party would keep on supporting him but he said it was not possible for him to give any financial support to the party under current atmosphere.

The interview was published in Asahi Newspaper on January 17, 2009 in its international news section.

In this interview, Thaksin repeated several times that his financial position is in difficult condition so that he is not able to give any financial support to his supporters or Pheu Thai Party at this moment.

Excerpts of the interview, which represented Thaksin's first contact to Japanese media since he left Bangkok in August last year, are as follows:

S: What is the main reason forcing you to face this difficult situation? Was it because you sold your (Shin Corp) shares without paying any tax?

T :  That was not main reason, I believe. In fact, it was not possible for me to pay tax according to the law at that time. It is true that this matter gave some impact to activate anti-Thaksin camp at that time. But there were some underground work to put label of "lese majeste" on me by some group of people since the time I was in peak of my status as PM of Thailand. Actually, I respect Thai Monarch much more than any other people but it seems there were some misunderstandings among group of advisors to our king.

S : What is your opinion of the new government?

T :  Democrats got their power of majority by receiving support from the courts, the army and the Privy Council. They keep on asking me to stay away from Thai politics simply because they are not confident to win their power if I am still involved in politics. I believe it is the Army and the Privy Council who must stay away from politics.

S : Are you still willing to fight?

T : I will be 60 years old in July this year. I would rather prefer to have a peaceful life and wishing to see reconciliation of Thai people. However, there has been no approach from the government or the anti-Thaksin camps asking for any talks with me. I cannot die without proving my justice. I trust my supporters will keep on fighting against them even after my life ends here.

S :  Tell me something about the main figures of anti-Thaksin camp.

T :  Sondhi (Limthongkul), one of the PAD leaders is a puppet of anti-Thaksin force. He used to be one of my major supporters when I was PM in the early days. He told me that he would like to own a TV station but I told him it would be difficult because of the law. This was the reason why he suddenly turned himself to the enemy's side. It was really big mistake that I offered top position of Army to Gen Sonthi (Boonyaratglin), who lead the coup in 2006. I should not have chosen him as the top commander. It was my big mistake in my life. Gen Anupong (Paochinda, the current armuy chief) is also one of the puppets like Gen Sonthi.

S :  Do you regret your decision to become politician?

T :  Yes, certainly I do. Maybe I am being punished for something I did in my former life...You see, I lost my money and assets. Politic is a job which must be handled by "Doraemon" not by "Nobita"...