Pheu Thai has decided former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will not take part by video conference from overseas during this year's traditional Songkran ceremony - to save the party from possible dissolution.
The party will hold the rod nam dam hua ceremony on Wednesday, when supporters will bless senior members on the occasion of Songkran.
Thaksin has always attended the annual Thai New Year observance by Skype from overseas, and received his supporters' blessings.
Pheu Thai key figure Wattana Muangsook said on Monday the former prime minister will not be part of the event this year.
Mr Wattana said the decision was made to ensure the continuance of Pheu Thai, which was preparing to run in the promised general election.
"In the present circumstances it would be risky. Someone could take this opportunity to lodge a complaint, to have the party disbanded due to his involvement. So we have decided not to invite him to attend," he said.
Thaksin and his sister Yingluck were last seen in public in Japan from last Thursday to Sunday, when they attended a book launch by former Japanese politician Hajime Ishii, who is his friend. The two Shinawatras reportedly left for China on Monday.
