Many other senior opposition figures have gone into hiding or self-exile in Europe, the US, Japan or Cambodia. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister and Ms Yingluck’s brother, who was himself ousted in a 2006 coup, is based in Dubai and spends significant time in Europe, including the UK.
Mr Jakrapob, who requested that his whereabouts be kept secret, said the opposition was divided between those who wanted to fight on and those who felt demoralised after the latest coup. He said the Free Thai Movement, which he helped establish in June, would seek to rally Thais living abroad, including up to 300,000 in the US, to back the democratic cause.