But others warned Thaksin to stay out of politics, a day after he indicated his interest in being an adviser to the People Power Party (PPP) on his return to the country sometime between February and April next year.

Said Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, who was appointed by the generals who staged the coup in September last year: 'I want the country's situation to return to normal soon, and if (Thaksin) returns, there will be no problem.'

Thaksin said at a news conference in Hong Kong on Christmas Day that he wanted to return to Thailand from his self-imposed exile by February at the earliest.

'I am quitting politics...I will not take any political position except when they (the PPP) want any ideas,' he was quoted as saying by the South China Morning Post newspaper yesterday.

But he also suggested things could change.

'I have no wish to go back to politics until I feel safe, and then I will have to assess the situation,' he said.

The former prime minister said he will move 'back and forth' between Hong Kong and Britain before making a decision on when to fly home to Thailand.

His comments attracted varied reactions at home.

General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who led the coup against Thaksin, has vowed to press ahead with corruption charges against the deposed premier, even if his allies were to form the next government.

After the coup, Gen Sonthi set up a committee to investigate corruption claims against Thaksin.

Mr Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the PPP's rival, the Democrat Party, said Thaksin had the right to return but should not interfere in the political or judicial systems.

But Thaksin's recent actions hint at the possibility of interference, he said. This could spark a rift, and nobody wants wants another coup, he added.

Federation of Thai Industries chairman Santi Vilas-sakdanont said Thaksin was welcome to come back any time, but if he were to 'interfere in the judicial system, he would face resistance. The situation will be fragile'.

Board of Trade chairman Pramon Sutivong said a PPP government should not intervene in the legal process or seek amnesty for banned politicians.

The PPP, made up of Thaksin's allies, won 233 of the 480 seats in Parliament, just short of the 241 absolute majority needed to govern alone.

Meanwhile, PPP chief Samak Sundaravej plans to hold a press conference on Jan 4 to announce the formation of a new government, a party spokesman said yesterday.

This was despite the Election Commission announcing yesterday the disqualification of three PPP politicians who won seats in the Dec 23 general elections. The commission may also annul further results.

'There are more cases to investigate,' Mr Suthiphon Thaveechaiygarn, the Election Commission's secretary- general, told a television news channel in Bangkok.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK, BLOOMBERG