In a video clip posted on www.hi-thaksin.org on Sunday, Thaksin slammed the military for accusing him and family members of corruption - regardless of the legal process.

Although there was "no evidence", the junta and its military-installed agencies had tried every channel to make his family appear guilty of graft, he said.

"My family and I have suffered [from the unfair charges,] although I had dedicated myself to serve the whole nation and His Majesty the King," Thaksin said.

However, the good thing was that many people had sympathy for his family, which he accepted with gratitude, he said.

"I have done nothing wrong," Thaksin insisted.

As the country was "in despair and far from reconciliation" he would extend his stay abroad for some more time because he did not want to be another part of the problem, he said.

Thaksin said Thailand's credibility in the world had fallen due to the absence of a democratic government.

"Whenever I meet foreign investors, I tell them to be patient about the situation in Thailand," he said.

The Kingdom was highly competitive as its people were skilful and diligent, he said. "When the government returns to democratic rule, Thailand will rise again."