Citizen Thaksin has many items on his "what-to-do" list. He is said to be close to striking a deal to acquire English football club Manchester City.

He also told the media in Tokyo he was a visiting professor of business and economics at Takushoku University.

"After I retire from politics, I'd like to spend part of my life sharing my experiences and knowledge with the younger generation - that is, teaching," Thaksin was quoted as saying.

He didn't say what he would lecture on. We just hope it isn't Ethics 101 or an advanced taxation course.

Tarisa comes out

Bank of Thailand Governor Tarisa Watanagase yesterday made a rare public appearance after a few months out of the public eye.

Readers may not have noticed that Tarisa had disappeared from the limelight recently. But our reporter at the central bank yesterday rang in to say she was back.

Over the past few months, especially when rumours swirled around the central bank that Tarisa might be dismissed, she faded from view.

She seemed to be exhausted at the fact that her critics didn't seem to listen to her explanation of the rationale behind the decision to impose  capital control measures.

She rarely went down to the Bank of Thailand canteen as she used to. But when she had to appear in public, she tried to make the best of it.

During a seminar yesterday, Tarisa spoke on a wide range of issues from monetary policy to financial institutions. She spoke faster than she normally does.

Perhaps, her confidence was enhanced by her conviction that a series of economic measurers would bear fruit by the third quarter. Besides, the baht's value is of no major concern. Tarisa still survives.

Jeerawat@nationgroup.com