If that is the case, Sonthi has demonstrated unusual magnanimity - given the fact Surakiart had gone out of his way to defend ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra to his last political breath.

Besides going on a live CNN newscast to slam the junta as the coup was unfolding, Surakiart was instrumental in the redrafting of Thaksin's speech that was to be delivered to the UN General Assembly but cancelled once it became obvious that the CDRM had taken full control of government. Thaksin was looking to use this speech to attack Sonthi for staging the coup.

Up to his last day in power, Thaksin was telling the world that he was a democratically elected leader and that those who opposed him were undemocratic. Never mind the fact that he had destroyed democratic institutions, rolled back civil liberties and intimidated his critics.

While Sonthi may want to project the image that he is a good sport, Surakiart's return to the race for the UN's top job could be problematic. UN members will definitely ask Surakiart about Thaksin's rule and it would be interesting to hear what he has to say about his former boss. What will he tell them about the coup leaders?

Moreover, instead of letting the Foreign Ministry's permanent secretary make the announcement in regard to Surakiart's future, Sonthi made it a point to reconfirm Surakiart's candidacy by issuing a formal order as leader of the military council.

Ever since Surakiart was endorsed by Asean, the ambitious former deputy prime minister presented himself as the Asean candidate. He fooled himself into believing that the endorsement was a binding commitment, refusing to entertain the idea that perhaps he should step down from the race if and when it became clear that he would have no chance of winning.

The past two straw votes saw Surakiart finish a distance third, with three "discourage" votes coming from some of the 15-member UN Security Council (UNSC).

The argument that Surakiart cannot withdraw because he is an officially endorsed Asean candidate and that he would need the approval of the association's leaders to stand down is nonsense. Asean doesn't really care, and they would be more than willing to put forward an alternative candidate.

Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia are said to have expressed interest in fielding one of their own if and when Surakiart withdraws from the race. Besides, there are at least a few Thai nationals who are better qualified and who would stand a far better chance of winning than Surakiart. Hundreds of millions of baht in taxpayers' money have already been spent on Surakiart's expensive trips to foreign capitals to beg for support.

Sonthi and the generals owe it to the people to curb this type of wasteful spending.

Surakiart has run a very aggressive and lavish campaign over these past two years, to the point where it has put Thailand in an embarrassing position. Indeed, there has hardly been a dull moment in Surakiart's campaign as the work of spin-doctors has been complemented by half-truths and diplomatic strong-arm tactics, such as when Thai officials were dispatched to Sri Lanka to try to get Colombo to withdraw its candidate.

The upcoming straw vote tomorrow must be Surakiart's last chance. Surakiart must voluntarily stand aside and let Asean endorse another candidate if the UNSC denies him a passing grade. Failing that, the CDRM must spell out in plain language to Surakiart that he will not be allowed to continue to embarrass himself and Thailand in the eyes of the international community, and withdraw support for his candidacy.