In his interview with the Time magazine's Feb 1 edition, Thaksin said he could help with the government's bid to heal the country.

"If you want to have national reconciliation, it's like clapping hands. If you try to clap with one hand, and take another hand far away, is it possible? You have to bring that hand back. I have quit politics, don't worry, but I want to help with reconciliation,"

Thaksin government's tough policies in dealing with the violence in the south have been blamed for deaths of over 2,000 people, mostly in extra-judicial killings.

Since his ousting from the government in September last year, Thaksin has been trotting around the globe to give interviews to foreign media, attacking the military junta and new government. 

In the interview with the Time in Tokyo last week, he jokingly said he is forming a new party, the Enjoy Life Party. "The new Enjoy Life Party's platform? Playing golf, traveling, relaxing, meeting friends. Don't be too serious about life."

He said he has reacquainted himself with the pleasures of golf—at least until conditions in Beijing, where he spends much of his time, got so icy his bodyguard couldn't put the tee into the ground.

He said he lost some weight because he did yoga, but not because he felt grievances. He said was very relaxed. He said, "Thanks to the CNS for this, so I can retire," he said. "After being ousted, I had a very good excuse to quit politics."

 Thaksin also commented on the coup that toppled him, saying at first the people were shocked and then started to voice their concerns.

"And then they start to accept it, especially after it's endorsed by His Majesty the King. They're very disciplined. They obey. But they are watching what [the new rulers] are doing, and when they will return democracy to the people. People's tolerance is limited."