Thaksin visits Papua New Guinea

A spokesman for Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare said Thaksin was in West Sepik province on private business and was not the guest of Sir Michael.

On Saturday, Thaksin addressed, by phone, an estimated 17,000 supporters gathered outside Government House in Bangkok, who had rallied to seek a royal pardon on his behalf.

He Thaksin did not announce where he was calling from, but protest organisers claimed he was in Papua New Guinea.

Thai authorities are seeking to bring him back to Bangkok, where he faces a two-year jail sentence for abuse of power.

In July, Thaksin flew to Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu in his executive Lear jet.