However, it was clear from the outset that Thaksin's case was unique. The former prime minister made a disgraceful exit when he was toppled in a coup by military leaders who accused him of being corrupt, instigating divisiveness and showing disrespect to the monarchy. All of these alleged offences should have provided sufficient justification to rescind his diplomatic passport immediately.

The Foreign Ministry did not act on this sooner, reasoning there was no precedent for the recalling of diplomatic passports except in cases where there is reason to believe that such a person could pose a threat to the nation.

However, after the series of bomb explosions in Bangkok, both Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and Council for National Security (CNS) chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin pointed accusing fingers at disaffected elements linked to politicians who had lost power. Clearly, they were referring to groups loyal to the deposed prime minister.

No one knows why it took so long. Thaksin's diplomatic passport should have been revoked in mid-December. Around that time, Thaksin made headlines when he appeared in Hong Kong and Bali. He also made several comments that had a destabilising effect on Thai politics. Later on, his presence in Hong Kong generated all kinds of rumours about his clandestine activities and about the mysterious persons he came into contact with.

As a holder of a diplomatic passport, Thaksin could travel to China without a visa and stay for one month. Now that the passport has been revoked, he will have to leave Beijing within days. During his stay in that country, he has used Beijing as a base from which to direct his loyal followers and lawyers to wage psychological warfare against the government and the CNS, much to the chagrin of the Chinese. Authorities there have been kept apprised of Thaksin's movements, however they have had no official contact with him.

China is also said to have been embarrassed by Thaksin's high profile activities in Beijing, especially when he faxed his statement from Beijing to Bangkok denying involvement in the New Year's Eve bombings recently. The action was interpreted unfavourably by some Thai officials who felt that the Chinese government should have imposed some restrictions on Thaksin's movements. Tolerating Thaksin's shenanigans could be misconstrued as interference with Thailand's internal affairs - something China has vowed not to do.

However, it must be understood that traditionally the Chinese government will never mistreat a former good friend. But with Thaksin's diplomatic passport having been revoked, Chinese authorities now have the justification to see to it that he leaves the country when his 30-day visa-free stay expires. Of course, aside from that, it would not impact his ability to travel because he can transfer his visa, especially his five-year visa to England, to his other "ordinary" passport. His family members have all done that.

Of course, Thaksin could also face the complete revocation of his passport if the CNS and the government deem him a threat to national security. Whether the Foreign Ministry will be compelled to take further steps to revoke his ordinary passport as well hinges on Thaksin's own behaviour overseas, especially in London where he maintains a residence.

Obviously, after being subjected to severe public criticism for being too soft on Thaksin, the government and the CNS must toughen their stand to prove their determination to tackle "political undercurrents" that have contributed to political disturbance and economic instability. Their credibility depends on their taking decisive action to bring the volatile political situation under control - not just to sit on their hands and be manipulated by Thaksin and his followers.