Fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra said Wednesday he has no plans to return home, following suggestions that the current government headed by his sister may seek to pardon him.
Thaksin told a news conference in South Korea that he would not go back until "reconciliation really happens" in his homeland.
Royal pardons are granted each December 5 on the birthday ofThai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Thai media reported last week that this year's decree -- which needs to be approved by the king -- would be expanded to apply to "convicts who are at least 60 years old and are sentenced to under three years in jail".
Thaksin, who was ousted by the army in a 2006 coup, is 62 and lives in self-imposed exile in Dubai to avoid a two-year sentence for graft.
His potential pardon had threatened to inflame tensions in Thailand, with rallies both for and against the decree in recent days.
Thaksin, speaking during a private visit to South Korea, said he had been the victim of injustice since the 2006 coup "but I'm ready to sacrifice and stay outside until the whole country brings back reconciliation and unity.
"So I would not go back home until the reconciliation really happens," he said in English. "I don't want to be part of the problem but I want to be part of the solution."
The Thai government late Sunday ruled out a pardon after strong criticism from opponents of a reported draft decree.
"(Thaksin) will not receive any benefit" from this year's royal pardon, Justice Minister Pracha Promnok told reporters.
But the reports came at a delicate time for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who is Thaksin's younger sister and widely considered his political proxy, as she faces criticism for her handling of floods which have killed more than 600 people.
The ex-leader said he had no ambition to go back to prepare to resume power since his sister had received a very strong mandate for her premiership.
"When reconciliation happens, then I will go. I don't mind which method -- amnesty or anything -- but it should be a solution for reconciliation." Thaksin has been studying a massive flood control project during his four-day visit to South Korea. The $19 billion Four Rivers project is also aimed at conserving water and beautifying riverside areas.
He said the floods cost Thailand some 15 billion dollars, but damage could have been mitigated with a similar river control system.
Thaksin told reporters he had a plan in 2005 for a very similar project to South Korea's.
"Unfortunately in 2006, I was ousted by the military coup and now... (as) my party is running the country, we'd like to bring back the project which will be helpful for flood prevention and drought prevention."
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