The former Thai prime minister and his wife are the subject of a police inquiry in Thailand into the couple's alleged violation of stock-trading laws and corruption-related charges, which they have always denied.

Thaksin is unlikely to return in the near future because he fears for his safety, a statement from his public relation firm said.

The statement issued by the Bell Pottinger Group read: "This is another politically motivated attack on the reputation of Dr Thaksin and his family.

"Dr Thaksin maintains his innocence and states that he is unlikely to be able to return to Thailand in the short term because of personal safety issues, his desire not be a cause of division in Thai society and the unlikelihood of a fair trial."

Last month saw the country's Supreme Court issue a first warrant after the pair failed to return home to answer corruption charges relating to a land sale.

Thaksin, who has been living abroad since being ousted in a bloodless coup last year, is accused of abusing his position by helping his wife buy land from a state agency at a favourable price.