He admitted that he had been offered a party leader position before the September 19 coup.

Speaking to reporters upon arrival at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport early Saturday morning, Supachai said he had not been recently approached to lead a political party as reported.

It has been reported that he had been offered to lead the Mahachon Party now headed by Sanan Kachornprasart, a former secretary-general of the Democrat Party.

Supachai said he would continue serving in the UN agency and would not return to the politics for now.

He said he could indirectly help Thailand by serving in the Unctad because several of Unctad's operations were in line with Thailand's policies.

"So, it's unnecessary for me to return to the political path for now," Supachai said.

He said he returned to Thailand to give a lecture on sufficiency economy on Monday.

Supachai also praised the interim government of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont as being able to control the situation well.

But he said the government had to rush to make it clearer that Thailand was returning to full democracy.

He said some countries were trying to make use of Thailand's current political situation for their own trade advantages.

The Nation