Thaksin thanks supporters for filing pardon petition

In his statement, Thaksin insisted that the charges of him abusing power in relation to his wife's purchase of a coveted land plot, previously seized by the state, had been falsely pressed against him by the group of soldiers that ousted his government in 2006.

"I insist that I am not a fugitive. I don't accept the coup and I don't accept the rules set by the coup-makers. I don't accept the charges held against me by the coup-makers and I don't accept the justice system offered by them," Thaksin said.

The statement was released by the ex-PM's former legal adviser Noppadon Pattama.

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders sentenced Thaksin to two years in jail last October in relation to the Ratchadaphisek land scandal. The ex-leader, who insists that the ruling had been politically motivated, did not appeal the verdict.

Thaksin also called on the government to ensure justice and fair enforcement of the law, which he said is the only way toward political reconciliation and social unity.

On the social-networking website Twitter a message from "Thaksinlive" said yesterday: "I did not tweet yesterday because I had already talked though video link. My deep thanks to the Thai people at Sanam Luang."

"Thaksinlive" is believed to be the screen name of the ex-leader.