BANGKOK - FORMER prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who returned last week to Thailand after nearly 18 months in exile, said on Thursday he would ask a court for permission to leave the country for Britain.

The normally media-friendly Mr Thaksin has kept an unusually low profile since his dramatic homecoming on Feb 28, when he was welcomed by adoring crowds in Bangkok.

In his first public appearance in six days, Mr Thaksin told reporters that he would ask the Supreme Court to grant him permission to travel to Britain, where he owns the English Premier League football club Manchester City.

He is accused of using his political office to win a sweetheart property deal for his wife.

'I will ask for the court's permission to travel to Britain on March 13,' Mr Thaksin said following a meeting of the Thailand Golf Association, which he heads.

The billionaire politician insisted he was ready to defend himself in court.

'I am prepared for the court hearing. There is nothing to rehearse,' he said.

If Mr Thaksin is allowed to leave Thailand, he would have to return for an April 3 appearance before prosecutors, who are deciding whether to bring another court case against him over alleged securities fraud.

Mr Thaksin also repeated his vow to stay out of politics, saying he would focus on teaching, sports, and charity.

He said he would not advise the government, but would give lectures on his ideas.

'From now on, I will be a lecturer, not an adviser. Whoever is interested can pick up on my ideas and implement them,' he said.