Thaksin trade envoy assertiondenied

Yingluck Shinawatra, Pheu Thai Party's expected nominee for prime minister, yesterday denied reports that the party planned to appoint her brother, deposed prime minister Thaksin, as a government trade envoy.

"The report is not true. I never had such an idea. Thaksin lives a comfortable life abroad. He doesn't want any position [in the new government]. The only thing he wants is reconciliation in the country," Ms Yingluck said.Thaksin would not play any role in the national administration under the Pheu Thai-led coalition government as a new cabinet would be appointed to carry out this task, Ms Yingluck said.

Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said Thaksin did not suit the post of a government trade envoy. He said it would be inappropriate if       Thaksin, who is a fugitive, was appointed trade representative. He faces two years in jail for assisting Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra, his former wife, in buying prime land in the Ratchadaphisek area at a discount while he was prime minister.A Pheu Thai source earlier said Thaksin in the role of a trade envoy  would be helpful to his youngest sister Yingluck, who is widely expected to become prime minister. Thaksin has connections with corporate executives and foreign leaders and also possesses the business acumen to make bargains and boost trade ties with other nations, he said.