Monson was the businessman who drew much public attention during the Thaksin era after he filed criminal and civil lawsuits against the prime minister over alleged fraud years ago. The allegation dated back to when Thaksin started his cable TV business, International Broadcasting Corp or IBC.

Claiming that Thaksin cheated him, Monson asked for damage compensation.

And while waiting for the court's ruling, Monson showed that he was worried that something could happen to jeopardise his revenge.

Yesterday, he wrote to the Bank of Thailand, a day after BOT Governor Tarisa Watanagase said the central bank had no objection to the request of Pojaman Shinawatra, Thaksin's wife, in bringing Bt400 million out of the country for a property purchase in London.

In the letter addressed to "Madam Governor", Monson referred to his lawsuit by saying "This lawsuit is against Pol Lt-Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra, Khunying Pojaman's husband. Her transfer of that amount of money will jeopardise my case against her husband and will seriously harm me.

"I would like to formally request that you, as the governor of the Bank of Thailand, disapprove of the request of Khunying Pojaman from transferring any funds, as well as any requests from Thaksin, otherwise, you and the Bank of Thailand will be held responsible for any damages that might be caused to me by your actions."

It seems Monson is worried that the Thaksin would not have enough money to pay him if the court rules in favour of his petition. He should be reminded of the fact that the Shinawatra family has netted more than half of the Bt73-billion proceeds from the sale of shares in Shin Corp. That is huge enough for the entire family to live without work for a century. Indeed, the Bt400 million Pojaman wants to take abroad is tiny compared to the total sum. It should not be a problem either if Thaksin plans to buy houses in every country that he has visited, including Australia and China.

Moreover, Monson's lawsuit doesn't lead to any freezing of assets. It is also worth noting that none of Thaksin's assets have been frozen by anyone, including the military which staged the coup to oust him.

Therefore, it seems okay for the central bank to approve the money transfer.

Probably, if she cared to do so, Tarisa could explain this to Monson.

achara_d@nationgroup.com