While many feel good that developments in Thailand have turned against his wealth and the financial status of his children, Panthongtae and Pinthongta, others might spare some sympathy for the family.

It seems that once political power is gone, everything quickly turns sour.

Today, Revenue Department director-general Sirote Swasdipanich is scheduled to testify before the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) on his past and current actions concerning Panthongtae's and Pinthongta's share sales to Temasek Holdings.

Needless to say, he is in the hot seat. Early this year, he said nothing when one of his staff in the department told the family that Panthongtae and Pinthongta did not need to pay taxes for the share sale. Now, he says they must pay taxes, plus hefty fines.

Thaksin must be attending to this issue closely, fearing for his children.

He himself may also fear an unknown future.

Yesterday, a Democrat MP raised doubts whether Thaksin was unfaithful in his service to the country when it came to his shares in Ample Rich Investments.

Earlier, the AEC threatened to trace his family's tax payment records over the past 10 years.

All guns are now pointing at the same target.

So it's no surprise that Thaksin looked so dismayed. How can he maintain his arrogant smile when he has nobody around him anymore?

If there is anything to comfort him, it should be the fact that now he can wander alone on the street, without bodyguards, unlike the time when Thailand was flooded with assassination rumours.

Thaksin no longer needs protection, probably because those who were rumoured to want to kill him cannot afford air tickets to London.

Another possible reason is that, once out of power, nobody cares about him anymore.

Whatever the reason is, Thaksin should be happy. He has worked so hard during the past 20 years cultivating his empire and his political career. Now, he has so much time on his hands for shopping on the streets of London.

achara_d@nationgroup.com