THAILAND - The three children and former wife of ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra have left the country, a police source revealed yesterday.

They were believed to have fled because of concerns about their safety in light of Thaksin's bid to ramp up protests against the government and Privy Council, the source said.

However, the former PM's sisters Yaowapa and Yingluck were seen directing a rally by the Red Shirts yesterday at the protest site near Government House.

Yaowapa's daughter Chinnicha, who is an opposition MP, was also at the rally.

Yaowapa is the wife of ex-premier Somchai Wongsawat, who reportedly flew out with Thaksin's son Panthongtae. She said she attended yesterday's rally because she had a "democratic heart" and wanted to support the Red Shirts.

One of the 111 banned former executives of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, Yaowapa has retained influence in the pro-Thaksin Pheu Thai Party.

Yingluck, formerly an executive of a family company, has been tipped to become a new leader of Pheu Thai, now in opposition.

Yaowapa denied her family had gone abroad. She said she had not talked to Thaksin.

The protesters were peace-loving and fair. There had been no violence over many days of protests, therefore there was no need for concern.

She refused to comment on remarks by former ally Newin Chidchob that Thaksin was using the protesters to damage the country for ulterior motives.

A source from the Royal Thai Police headquarters, who asked not to be named, said Thaksin's ex-wife Pojaman Damapong and daughter Paethongtarn took Cathay Pacific flight CX750 to Hong Kong on Monday night.

Thaksin's other daughter Pinthongta allegedly took a Thai Airways flight TG910 to London on the same night.

Somchai and Thaksin's son Panthongtae took Emirates flight EX419 to Dubai on Tuesday, the source said, adding that the reason for Thaksin's children leaving the country must be related to their safety. In case of an emergency, they must meet Thaksin in Dubai, it was alleged.

People in the Democrats' "war room" monitoring the political crisis feared there may be violence yesterday given news of Thaksin's children flying out. With his family out of the country, it meant he wouldn't have to worry about them if the Red Shirts rioted and got out of control, one said.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of national security, also attended the meeting. He declined to comment on Thaksin's family's leaving the country.

"Don't ask me or let me comment too much. Otherwise, it could be trouble," he said.