Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has not returned to Thailand, despite photos posted on his Instagram account appearing to place him in Bangkok, Pheu Thai deputy spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard has insisted.
Two pictures posted on April 14 and June 9 on Instagram were traced to two locations – one on Buddhamonthon 3 road and the other in Phra Nakhon district, fuelling speculation about the convicted ex-premier sneaking into the country once again.
Thaksin Shinawatra's Instagram account appeared to show the former prime minister had been back in Bangkok, but hackers have been blamed for falsifying the information.
But Mr Anusorn quashed the rumour, saying that Thaksin’s account was hacked and that he had not returned. The posts were published when Thaksin was overseas, he added.
"Thaksin normally posts pictures himself," he said, but guaranteed that the two photos in question must have come from elsewhere.
The former prime minister left Thailand shortly before the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions found him guilty in 2008 of abuse of authority in the Ratchadaphisek land deal and sentenced him in absentia for two years’ jail term.
He largely stays in self-exile in Dubai and travels overseas from time to time, including a visit to Singapore last weekend, which sparked more speculation of a cabinet reshuffle. His stay in the island state was documented on Instagram.
Mr Anusorn said hackers infiltrating the former prime minister’s Instagram account could be trying to rock the government led by his sister, Prime Minister Yingluck.
"I can confirm that he has never returned to Thailand," the deputy spokesman added.
Thaksin’s close aide, Noppadon Pattama, called the two images "absolutely untrue".
Thaksin has not been to Thailand since 2008 and the only place where he would return is through Suvarnabhumi airport, said Mr Noppadon, his lawyer.
"If Pol Lt Col Thaksin wants to return, he will do it in a smart way because he hasn’t done anything wrong. The court case was a political ploy against him. He doesn’t need to sneak in into Thailand," Mr Noppadon said.
Mr Noppadon also made reference to Thaksin's police rank, which he held before becoming a businessman and later a politician.