The former Shin Corp chief and right-hand man of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is now running his own business. He said he had no interest in politics.

Speculation about a new Thai Rak Thai leader also mentioned Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Surapong Suebwonglee.

Meanwhile former party executive member Kantathi Suphamongkhon, who is also banned from politics, said he would become a lecturer at the University of California.