"No, I have no such thoughts," he said.

Supachai was speaking to reporters upon his arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport for a two-day visit to attend a seminar organised by the National Legislative Assembly.

He said Mahachon Party leader Sanan Kachornprasart had offered to hand over to him his party's leadership last year and that he had no political plans since the September coup.

"At the moment I am interested in assisting the country to the best of my ability, and as Unctad secretary-general I can do many things to further Thai policies on issues like farm products, medicines and international trade," he said.

He said he was too busy with his duties at the Geneva-based organisation to chart a political future.

Under the circumstances, everyone should help to restore and advance democracy in order to brace the country for international competitiveness, Supachai said.

"I commend the government for improving the political system in spite of time constraints and hope for everyone to be forward-looking instead of dwelling in the past," he said.

Meanwhile the Palang Pandin Thai Party elected political veteran Somsak Worakamin as its new leader, replacing Likhit Dhiravegin, who is a former Thai Rak Thai executive and banned from politics for five years.

Somsak is seen as close to former premier Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, tipped to be plotting his comeback at the next general election.

"I will steer the party until Likhit can resume his political career," he said.

He admitted to staying in touch with Chavalit.

"I believe Chavalit will unveil his political stand once things are returned to normal," he said, adding that he would follow Chavalit's advice to build up the party as a true political institution.

At the height of street protests against the Thaksin Shinawatra government last year, Likhit quit the Thai Rak Thai Party to form his new party, seen as a spare organisation should pro-Thaksin politicians need a new banner.