In fact Supachai, who is widely called by his nickname Chicken Soup, is still busy in his retirement.

There were rumours that Supachai might come back to politics since the interim government seems to prefer the "old-ginger" Cabinet members, selecting their ministers from the crowds of retired civil servants.

But he went into oblivion. He has been hardly visible, while his former subordinates were under political pressure due to the controversies arising from the previous government.

Yesterday, a reporter from The Nation bumped into Supachai during a business conference. He looked relaxed as usual. He told reporters that in spite of his retirement, he now works as a business adviser to five companies, including Matching Studio, Samart and I-mobile.

Nonetheless, he still closely monitors the political situation. "I received an SMS message this morning about Khun Somkid's appointment as an economic envoy of this government."

After all, Somkid Jatusripitak is no stranger to Supachai. Somkid was finance minister during the Thaksin government.

Then a reporter asked if Supachai was interested in joining politics, especially now with all the speculation that Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont is in need of a strong economic team to assist the government, which is under pressure from an economic slow down and the declining confidence of investors.

Supachai washed his hands with invisible soap and water before declaring, "I am over with politics."

Then, as if to reinforce his declaration, with fingers pointing firmly forward, he said: "When I was working at the ministry, I had to receive orders, but now I am happy working with the private sector. I have learned about new technology. I am glad to work with the real sector."

Okay, we are convinced that Supachai is through with politics, but didn't we also hear that from former prime minister Thaksin, who once said "enough is enough", before clinging to office.

Piyarat@nationgroup.com