Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram has lately been seen sporting a yellow necktie instead of the black bow-tie

that has been his trademark ever since he served in the Foreign Ministry until his retirement.

However, during the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meeting, Nitya came out with new image. He left his bow-tie in his closet and wore a bright yellow necktie to international functions.

Apparently, Nitya has also reinvented himself for his new assignment. He used to be known as media-shy. But last week during the Apec forum in Hanoi, he was very media friendly and willing to speak out.

When asked whether the Thai delegation would take the stranded portrait of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra back to Thailand, Nitya said bluntly, "I think our plane will be fully loaded."

Nitya answered every single question. He addressed the international media about Thailand's political situation and put to rest the controversy

over Thaksin's diplomatic passport by clarifying the issue himself.

However, on the last day before leaving for Bangkok, Nitya showed he was still allergic to the "F" word.

No offence to Nitya, for whom we do have high regard, but we need to give our readers some background: Nitya was the

head of the Thai negotiating team for the stalled talks on a Thai-US free-trade agreement (FTA).

Foreign Ministry officials,

however, told the press that Nitya wanted to leave that

memory behind, requesting the press avoid asking him "F" questions.

Nonetheless, the "F" issue came up last week when he met with his Japanese counterpart during the Apec summit. Nitya thus assigned Foreign Ministry spokesman Kitti Wasinondh to discuss the issue with the press.

But the next morning, when the news reports came out, and Nitya saw his name on the headline adjacent to the "F" word, he told reporters emotionally, "I decided to change myself, letting go of my bow-tie so you wouldn't have to link my name with the FTA. But your editors don't give up."

He made a gesture by opening his palms on the table and added, "Do I have to shave my moustache off so that you won't link me to the FTA again?"

Now we know why Nitya decided to strip off his bow-tie.

But we can't promise not to link him with that "F" word again. At least, not until he shaves.

jeerawat@nationgroup.com