He also criticised Britain for revoking his visa.
He fled Thailand in August and settled in London to escape several charges, including corruption. But Britain revoked his visa earlier this month, shortly after a Thai court in October sentenced him in absentia to two years in prison.
'England must understand better, but unfortunately, they are now busy with their own problems so they forgot about democratic values,' Thaksin said in an interview in Dubai with Arabian Business magazine, a portion of which was published on its website on Sunday.
Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 military coup for alleged corruption and abuse of power. He has said he fled from Thailand because he could not get a fair trial there, although the current government is led by his allies.
But he told the magazine that he would return to Thailand if the people want him and the King grants him a pardon. He said: 'With me at the helm, I can bring confidence quickly back to Thailand...If they don't need me and the King feels I can make no difference, then I will stay here and do business.'
Dubai has been mentioned as a potential haven for Thaksin, and it has played host to out-of-favour overseas officials. But Emirati officials have not said whether they will grant Thaksin residency.
ASSOCIATED PRESS