Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is still thinking about returning to politics despite consistent statements that he has quit forever, a Thai Rak Thai Party member said yesterday.

Torpong Chiyasarn, who is also secretary-general of the Professional Golf Association of Thailand (PGAT), said he had spoken on the phone with Thaksin about the presidency of PGAT, a position the former premier won last month.

But at the end of the conversation, Thaksin talked about his political future, Torpong said.

"I have to stay longer in foreign countries for the unity of the nation. My patience is wearing thin. Don't pressure me too much," Torpong quoted Thaksin as saying.

Thaksin told him that while the political atmosphere in Thailand was still unclear, he would support both football and golf.

Thaksin is on the verge of buying Manchester City football club in England.

The former PM reportedly said there was no problem working as PGAT president while he remained abroad.

The association's executive board will have its first meeting today. Torpong said the board would consider how to conduct future meetings in the president's absence.

"We may have a teleconference or we will fly to meet with Thaksin wherever he is," Torpong said.

However, Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Pattama insisted that Thaksin had absolutely quit politics, saying Torpong might have misquoted or misunderstood his comments.

"What I say or Thaksin says via his video clips are the former premier's opinions. Torpong

can speak on behalf of Thaksin only on golf issues," he said.

Thai Rak Thai yesterday had a merit-making for its new headquarters and for good luck before the Constitution Tribunal gives its verdict in the electoral-fraud case against the party on May 30.

It was attended by acting leader Chaturon Chaisang and acting executives including Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Pongpol Adireksarn, Vichet Kasemthong-sri, Pongthep Thepkanchana and Sermsak Pongpanit, plus more than 100 former MPs.

Around 500 Thai Rak Thai supporters joined the event. Many decorated their shirts with national flag ribbons.

The event reminded guests of Thaksin, the party's founder and former leader. An exhibition featured the party's accomplishments, especially during five years of Thaksin's administration, as well as large pictures of the former PM, including some with messages that Thaksin was loyal to His Majesty the King.

The event also featured video of Thaksin's life from childhood until he entered politics.

Supporters also wrote messages encouraging the party and showing their confidence that it will not be dissolved. They also shouted calling for Thaksin to return as prime minister. Some shouted "Thaksin, Thaksin" periodically.

The party sold CDs and booklets outlining the party's defence in the electoral-fraud case.

The event was seen by some as an attempt to put pressure on the Constitution Tribunal judges. But acting leader Chaturon denied the claim, saying that his party made merit to celebrate its new headquarters.

"It is a pleasure that amid a huge storm the party's key men and former MPs are still strong and in good spirit," he said.

Thai Rak Thai registrar Saman Lertwongrat said the merit-making was aimed at extending the longevity of the party.

He said it still had 14.4 million members and around 250 former MPs.