Thaksin says he will stay politically active

Thai Rak Thai Party leader and caretaker PM of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra said he will remain an active player in politics, but will leave it to his party to decide whether he should run in the upcoming general elections.

He said on Wednesday he had no new information concerning preparation for the polls, beyond the fact that the Election Commission was readying to consult various political parties. Thaksin visited the newly refurbished press room at TRT headquarters where a new picture of him had been put on display. The slogan beneath the photo reads ‘‘Smile at all Forms of Political Obstacles to Serve the Country and the People’’. Thaksin said he created that slogan and that people should be able get the message that he would continue to work in politics. Asked if he would stand for office this time, Thaksin said, ‘‘I will definitely be on stage to speak but I don’t know if the party would field me as a candidate.’’