Such a perception is heightened by his bloodline. Born to the nobility, he must be a high-society nob.

People at Government House were thus perplexed at noon yesterday when they spotted the newly-appointed deputy prime minister at one of the small canteens on the premises.

Pridiyathorn was aware of the attention. But when asked why he showed up at such a small and humble eating place, he asked, "Where else should I go to eat?"

Many might say that he wanted to please Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont who has reiterated the essence of "sufficiency economy". But the ex-central bank governor is not trying to please anybody for he has long been known for his easygoing manner.

While at the central bank, he rarely went out to a restaurant. He was often seen at the central bank's canteen at noon.

Sometimes, he was seen at small greasy spoons in front of the Bank of Thailand. His favourite was a noodle shop which sells yentafo pink noodles. His favourite dish is dry noodles with fish balls.

Even when he left the central bank for a social function, he sometimes returned with an empty stomach. And he would head straight for the food shops.

And when he was in a hurry, he never ordered BOT maids to bring him food. He would go downstairs and buy himself a sandwich.

That might explain why he is more than willing to play along with the sufficiency economy philosophy.

achara_d@nationgroup.com