Thaksin tells Pheu Thai faithful he'll return one day and become PM

He made the announcement in a 20-minute phone-in to a Pheu Thai Party seminar held at a resort outside Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima.

During the phone-in, he affirmed to the MPs and executives of Pheu Thai that he would fight his opponents in his quest for justice.

"I would like to tell the people that I'll be ready to return to the post of prime minister again if the people are also ready," Thaksin said.

"But if the people give up, it will be tantamount to my defeat as well."

Thaksin left Thailand in August 2008 right before the Supreme Court sentenced him to two years in jail in a case of abuse of power relating to a Rachadaphisek land deal. He is now living and travelling in Asia.

Thaksin drew big applause when he said he would definitely not die abroad.

"Although I'll live in exile for a long time, I'll definitely not die abroad. Although I cannot return to the country, I'll sneak back to die in the northeast," he said.

However, he said that if the public wanted him, he would immediately return to carry out his political duty to serve the people.

"I'll try to stay healthy. Yesterday, I had a blood check and I am still strong. I am still healthy mentally, because all in Pheu Thai always provide me with moral support," the ex-PM said.

He also thanked the red-shirted movement for serving as his main force in fighting against his opponents.

"No matter what happens, I'll fight with all-out effort."

The Pheu Thai Party yesterday kicked off a two-day seminar designed to prepare its lawmakers for the opposition benches.

The event was organised and financed by Yaowapa Wongsawat and Yingluck Shinawatra, sisters of Thaksin.

Party bigwigs and banned executives from two disbanded parties, Thai Rak Thai and People Power, turned out in full force to assist in honing the skills of opposition MPs.

Among those seen at the seminar were Pheu Thai leader Yongyuth Wichaidit and his two key advisers, Chettha Thanajaro and Plodprasop Suraswadi. Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai and chief opposition whip Withaya Buranasiri were also present.

Also in attendance were banned party executives, including Sompong Amornwiwat, Noppadon Patama and Pongthep Thepkanchana. One of the seminar panellists was former charter writer Kanin Boonsuwan.

Kanin distributed his article questioning political legitimacy in the wake of the 2006 coup.

Plodprasop said that at the conclusion of the seminar today, opposition lawmakers would issue a declaration to highlight their resolve to check the government.

In a separate development, Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Prompan said the 'red shirts' would hold a rally on February 14 to raise funds for the anti-government movement.