Why? Thaksin said on Sunday that during his itinerary, he would brief leaders of each country on the current political situation in Thailand. He told reporters that the trip was "private" and he would meet leaders he regards as "friends".

But during his statement, he said that in Japan he would talk with Japanese leaders about the signing of a bilateral free-trade agreement, which has been postponed after the political crisis in Thailand. Thai media have reported that Thailand hopes to be able to sign the FTA with Japan by July. If this is a just private trip to visit friends, how can he discuss the FTA?

Streetwise's impression is that this trip is weird. The destinations are unmistakably the countries that have shown interest in joining the bidding for mass-transit mega-projects in Thailand. Thus, the trip sparks suspicion that it is connected with big bucks investment. Would part of Thaksin's conversations with the leaders be to assure them about the continuation of the projects, even if he steps down?

Next, as an "unemployed" politician, as he called himself, Thaksin is in no capacity to arrange such meetings. If these "friends" want to know about what's going on Thailand, why he did not simply dial their personal phone numbers? That is an intimate option that friends usually take.

Whatever. It is good to know that the government is not sponsoring this trip, as if to confirm that it is really "private".

But it's not a usual practice for former political party leaders or prime ministers to arrange such trips to say official goodbyes to their friends. This could set a whole new precedent for any number of successors.

Imagine all these politicians flying around the globe to brief their friends after their office days have come to an end. That should greatly raise aviation demand, with or without a huge increase in fuel bills.

Moreover, Thaksin might be willing to board planes as an ultra-frequent flyer for he'll have plenty of free time once out of office.

achara_d@nationgroup.com