Thaksin sister says family not fleeing

Yaowaret said Thaksin's ex-wife, Pojaman Damapong, and three children had left the country for vacation trips and business, which had accumulated when the family handled the funeral of Yaowalak Shinawatra, Thaksin's elder sister.

Yaowaret said her family members did not make any plans to leave the country before the mass rallies against the government began, as alleged by the government.

She said other members of the Shinawatra family are still in Thailand.

She also denied that former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, brother-in-law of Thaksin, also fled the country. She said Somchai's wife, Yaowapha Wongsawat is still in Thailand, so he would definitely return to the country.

She said Pojaman, her three children - Paethongtan, Pinthongta and Panthongtae - would return to the country soon.

Somchai appeared on stage addressing to the Red Shirt protesters at 8 pm last night. He insisted his family did not flee abroad as reported.