They are convinced the chairman and CEO of King Power must be an important man in Thai society. Well, he did invite Prince Charles here for a polo match.

During the game, the heir to the British throne wore a yellow shirt in honour of His Majesty the King, who celebrated the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne this year.

In a recent interview, Vichai recalled one Briton suggesting Vichai should be a sports ambassador for Thailand.

But, alas, he said that in Thailand, his reputation was somewhat different.

"I have to walk with my face to the ground," Vichai said. In this country, he is criticised. Most of this has to do with the "misperception" he accumulated wealth and power through political contacts.

As far as he is concerned, this is not true. Politicians are just people whose telephone numbers he has and was able to call when he needed to discuss things.

He dislikes the term "chao phaw" (godfather), which many call him behind his back.

Still, he knows he cannot easily end this misperception. And he knows if his children inherit his business, they, too, will have to endure similar slurs.

So that will not happen. He said that when he retires soon, "I'll hand over the business to a professional manager. And once I'm retired, I will expose everything I have learned."

Probably, that "everything" will include his experience seeking special favours without exercising "political connections".

achara_d@nationgroup.com