PM: Gov't not funding Bt2 billion to end Thaksin protests

The central government budget for which he is responsible was not set aside for this programme.

However, he said, the government could use such funds to build reconciliation and strengthen the democratic system among people in the country.

The prime minister said he had not heard rumours about an attempt to assassinate Thaksin, who was ousted in a bloodless coup in September 2006 and is now living in self-imposed exile.

The government isn't paying special attention to the movements Thaksin, whom he referred to as a retired police colonel, because there are "a number of crucial issues, especially economic problems," that occupy the central concern of the government, Mr. Abhisit said.

The prime minister said he had discussed a political reform plan with Chalerm Yoobamrung, chairman of the opposition Puea Thai Party, who agreed with the idea but wanted to further study the details.