BANGKOK, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Thai Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya Wednesday affirmed that caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has not signalled that he would stand down and name him his successor.

    Pol. Gen. Chidchai made his affirmation following a report that he was one of three senior ruling Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party figures in the current government suitable to become prime minister after Thaksin decides to stand down or otherwise takes a political break.

    The rumors gained weight Wednesday when Thaksin -- during a local TV talk show -- hinted that there might be a change with the next prime minister, and said that the next leader should be someone who is at present in a senior post.

    Chidchai, who also serves as Justice Minister, ranks first among Thaksin's five current deputy prime ministers. He is in charge of national security.

    He said Thaksin had never spoken to him -- or hinted -- about the subject and said he accordingly had no comment to make on the issue.

    Instead, he said that he hoped Thaksin will be prime minister again after the next general election but whether it will be possible or not entirely depends on the result of the counted votes.

    Chidchai dismissed a report suggesting that there might be a coup d'etat, saying it was just a rumor that should not be taken seriously. Enditem