But on Tuesday, he was in Prachin Buri to attend the birthday party of veteran politician Sunthorn Wilawan. Surprisingly, also seen were influential party leaders like the Chat Thai Party's Banharn Silapa-archa, the Pracharaj Party's Sanoh Thienthong and the Mahachon Party's Sanan Kachornprasart. Itwas nothing less than a mini-gathering of politicians - something  banned by the Council for National Security.

One may ponder whether Chuan, in his 60s, is making a return to politics though he had passed on his legacy to Abhisit Vejjajiva. This might be true, given that polls show Thai Rak Thai would still snatch the majority vote as in previous elections, despite the misfortunes that have befallen its former leader.

Another possible reason for the visit is that next month, a court ruling is expected as to whether the Democrat Party is to be dissolved. Chuan may have thought a flashy public appearance would help.

What if these politicians took this opportunity to meet and discuss the future, given that they cannot gather for political reasons under the strict control of the CNS?

Or was Chuan there simply to take home a free Jatukham Rammathep amulet in the Mongkol Mahasetthi (Auspicious Billionaire) collection? He may not want to be a politician any longer, but rather a billionaire. Who says a poor politician like him might not turn billionaire with the help of a much-worshipped Jatukham Rammathep talisman? If it really helps him out, then one day, provided the Democrat Party is not dissolved, Chuan could reappear as the party's biggest sponsor.

Which one - politician or billionaire - is the more likely?

Better the devil you know

Small Thai retailers are upset about Tesco Lotus' expansion, and they have high hopes that the retail business law will be enacted soon to control the spread of its tentacles.

While the new law is on hold, Tesco Lotus last year reported a 13-per-cent rise in its annual profits, to US$5.04 billion (Bt176 billion). That  followed a drive for international expansion, especially in Southeast Asia and China, with total international sales up 18 per cent.

Expansion is also the key to Wal-Mart Stores, which last year posted profits of $11.3 billion.

Small retailers must be sweating as to whether the Central Group loses its bid to renew its land lease with the State Railway of Thailand, now that Wal-Mart is known to be a contender. Wal-Mart is bigger than Tesco Lotus and second to none when it comes to expansion.

achara_d@nationgroup.com