A party source said that when a Pheu Thai-led coalition government is formed and cabinet ministers are appointed, the party would entrust Thaksin with the role of a trade envoy to help his youngest sister Yingluck Shinawatra, who looks set to become the prime minister, handle her responsibilities.

Thaksin has well-established connections with corporate executives and leaders of foreign countries and also possesses the business acumen to make bargains and boost trade ties with other nations, some people say.

As a trade envoy, Thaksin could use his experience abroad during his self-imposed exile to help the government promote trade ties without getting directly involved in politics at home, the source said.

Thaksin's expected trade promotion role will also enable him to travel freely anywhere in the world, the source said.

Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin's legal adviser, yesterday did not rule out the possibility of Thaksin's new role as a trade envoy.

The former prime minister has what it takes to measure up to the task, Mr. Noppadon said. The new government can appoint him as a trade envoy straight away as the position of trade envoy is not a political one, Mr Noppadon said.

If Thaksin is given the position, he can travel to other countries using a passport issued by Montenegro, Mr. Noppadon said.

The rumor about ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra being tipped for the position of Thailand trade envoy was groundless, legal adviser Noppadon Pattama said later on July 6.