According to a Twitter message posted yesterday, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra said he was currently in Uganda inspecting a business project. This message was seen as an attempt to dispel rumours about him being in coma and dying.
Thaksin said he had flown from Moscow on Thursday night and was constantly in touch with the red-shirt movement.
"I just travelled from Moscow to Uganda, but regardless of where I am, I always check on the activities of the red shirts. At this moment, I'm listening to a Mor Lam song being sung by Tungtang Burapa," he said, in reference to the singer's performance at the rally stage in Rajprasong yesterday afternoon.
He said he appreciated Tungtang for her performance and commended her for donating funds to the movement. He also urged the protesters to continue fighting for democracy and justice.
"I admire all of you for your bravery," he said, adding that injured red shirts vowing to return to the protest after recuperating was praiseworthy.
Rumours about Thaksin's death coincided with his family's visit to Hong Kong on Thursday. His cousin and former Army chief General Chaisit Shinawatra also travelled to Macau, prompting speculation about funeral arrangements.
Thaksin's ex-wife Khunying Pojaman na Pombejra and their three children, Panthongtae, Pinthongta and Paethongtarn, had flown to their Hong Kong home on Thursday.
Later, Thaksin and his children posted Twitter messages confirming that he was in good health.
Panthongtae tweeted: "My dad is fine, not even a cold", while Pinthongta and Paethongtarn said: "Stop stupid rumours, my dad is totally healthy! It is only their game, people!"
Chaisit, meanwhile, said he was vacationing in Macau and was unaware about Thaksin's family travelling to Hong Kong.
According to the departure cards of Thaksin's family, they are scheduled to return to Bangkok on Monday.
In a separate development, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Thai Ambassador Chalermpol Thanchitt to accept a diplomatic protest in response to Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya's remarks on Russia's role in sheltering Thaksin.
During an April 13 speech at John Hopkins University, Kasit lashed out at countries such as Russia and Germany for turning a blind eye to Thaksin's conviction.
"This is act of interference - how can the Russians allow him to stay for two days and Germans do the same before that?" Kasit asked.
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