Phnom Penh, Nov 4 (IANS) Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was appointed as economic advisor to the Cambodian government, officials said Wednesday.

He will also be a private advisor to Prime Minister Hun Sen, Xinhua reported.

King Norodom Sihamoni has formally appointed Thaksin to the posts on Oct 27 at the request of prime minister and in accordance with the country's constitution, a government spokesman said Wednesday.

Thaksin has been living in self-exile in foreign countries since he was toppled from power in 2006.

Cambodia said it will not extradite Thaksin to Thailand if he stays in the country.