Hope and play by the rules after poll: Thaksin

Thaksin Shinawatra on Monday urged his supporters not to give up hope for the country in the wake of an election that saw Pheu Thai win the most constituencies but trail Palang Pracharat (PPRP) in the popular vote after 93% of votes were counted.

"The last gift that God can give you is hope," the former prime minister started his Good Monday programme with an old saying.

"I am worried about Thailand and about all Thais," he added.

The fugitive former prime minister started airing the show in January, but rarely touched on politics until his latest programme after unofficial results showed Pheu Thai -- the party he is backing -- winning fewer votes than its rival, Palang Pracharath (PPRP).

Thaksin predicted a win and the return to power of the so-called democracy camp in a speech at the wedding reception of his daughter, Paetongtarn, and her groom, Pidok Sooksawas, in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

"If we held [the reception] after March 24, we were afraid the room would be jam-packed because we will definitely win,” he said, referring to the general election.

Thaksin urged supporters not to give up hope and stressed they must abide by the law. "Do not do anything that is not right and we will succeed," he said.

Pheu Thai and Palang Pracharath were awaiting the complete unofficial results expected on Monday afternoon from the Election Commission.

Pheu Thai secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai on Sunday night insisted the party would take the lead in forming a coalition government, while PPRP leader Uttama Savanayana said his party was satisfied with the outcome.