Reports last week that former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who fled overseas rather than attend the court ruling which imposed a five-year prison sentence on her, was attempting to form a government-in-exile, charged the political landscape.
Political observers say the prospect of it happening are, however, remote.
Similar rumours circulated shortly after her elder brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, was toppled in the Sept 19, 2006 coup, led by Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin.
Thaksin, who was attending a function in the US at the time, was thought likely to attempt to fight back by forming a government-in-exile and seeking support from the United Nations and some superpowers.
The reports were dismissed by then government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee who was on the same trip in the US.
In case of Yingluck, her Pheu Thai government was overthrown in the May 22, 2014 coup.
However, the government-in-exile speculation came to light only after she fled Thailand on Aug 23, ahead of the Supreme Court's first scheduled reading of its verdict in a dereliction of duty case concerning her government's rice scheme.
The rumours surfaced only last week when she reportedly began her plans to seek political asylum in Britain. The unconfirmed reports about her seeking political asylum were accompanied by speculation she would form a government-in-exile.
Pheu Thai Party secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai dismissed the reports, saying the public should wait until the former prime minister is ready to talk about her plans.
Taking a similar stance, acting Pheu Thai deputy spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard said Pheu Thai wants to see peace in the country, so asked for all sides to try to lower their distrust in one another.
An academic who specialises in foreign affairs, who declined to be named, said speculation about Yingluck's attempt to form a government-in-exile was just a distraction.
The prospect of one taking root was more likely when Thaksin was overthrown in 2006 as that took place while he was attending a function at the UN headquarters in New York City, the source said.
If Thaksin had really wanted to form a government-in-exile at that time, international organisations and nations attending the event might have lent their support.
In principle, a government-in-exile is an attempt by ousted politicians who take residence in a foreign country to fight against what they view as injustice committed by the current government in their home country, said Prasit Piwawatthanaphanit, a lecturer with Thammasat University's Faculty of Law.
Although a government-in-exile doesn't have real sovereignty over its own country, it is more or less a channel to fight to regain political power. It would require approval by the host state as well as recognition by the international community.
Without formal approval by the host state, a purported government-in-exile would be regarded simply as "authorities in exile", he said.
On the other hand, if recognised by the host state and sufficient international organisations as the sole government representing its country of origin, the government-in-exile would normally receive diplomatic recognition and operational assistance as well, he said.
The recognised government-in-exile is entitled to sign treaties, represent the country on the world stage, have the right to legation, claim and enjoy as a state various privileges and immunities, and have the right to dispose of state property abroad, he said.