Now the stakes are much higher: he has to regain his massive wealth, which was frozen together with that of his family members.

Even more vital is his struggle to evade the arm of the law for misconduct in public office, financial shenanigans and other misdeeds putting him on par with corrupt politicians and white-collar criminals.

In a strong message on huge video screens at Sanam Luang to please his frenzied admirers, paid or otherwise, Thaksin made it clear that he intends to fight on at any cost, while also trying to fool the naïve and gullible that he and his family are merely victims in a scheme to oust him from power and strip them of their great fortune.

All along Thaksin has told people, particularly those in the government and the Council for National Security, that he was giving up politics and would spend the rest of his life as an ordinary person who accepts a forced political exile. But sizeable funds have been channelled clandestinely to cronies to arouse the public to rally against the CNS and create an unstable political environment.

Listening to Thaksin's speech on Friday night required extra attention and sharp minds, to understand what has become of him after losing power. Clearly there were symptoms of mood swings, a mixture of melancholy, acceptance of fate and signs of capitulation.

As the minutes ticked away, his mood changed. Then it was a Thaksin full of the usual bravado and tough talk, with a lot of ill-concealed vengefulness for the day he could get even and punish those who caused his suffering and damaged stature as a politician who betrayed the trust of fellow countrymen.

The mood swings and the signs of incoherence should give shrinks a formidable challenge. During his press conference in Tokyo, the pouches under his eyes had two layers, instead of just one as seen immediately after his loss of power. These big under-eye bags are signs of tension and worry, hard thinking and an inner fight to retain sensibility.

Whatever Thaksin said all boiled down to the fact that he has no intention to cease and desist from attempting to regain power. The dissolution of the CNS would also invalidate other agencies that investigate and prosecute his wrongdoing. Long known as a vindictive and vengeful man, Thaksin can bide his time while ensuring that the rural grass-roots people can still be enticed to support him in return for financial handouts.

Politicians are known to be addicted to power. If uncontrolled, some could become power-mad and go to any lengths for self-preservation. Never mind the damage caused to the motherland, as long as one looks good and stays away from trial in the criminal courts.

So it was not surprising to hear that Thaksin has commissioned a high-profile lobbyist firm to fight on his behalf, such as seeking help from the United Nations to restore his status - much like former Haitian leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide until his true colours showed and he lost power again.

Though the huge assets from the sale of Shin Corp stocks to Temasek Holdings are frozen, Thaksin and his family members still have access to massive wealth stashed abroad, including a sizeable amount in a bank on Orchard Road in Singapore. The Bt40 billion frozen represents a fraction of the family's great fortune amassed through questionable means while their rule was unchallenged.

Now that corruption cases with Thaksin and family members as the prime accused will soon be processed in the courts, the public can expect increasing intensity of protests and possible violence from his admirers. These protesters have already confirmed their tendency to provoke law-enforcement authorities to crack down on them with strong-arm measures so that they get an excuse to go to extremes, such as rioting.

Thaksin's last line of defence is to seek political asylum in a country of his choice - which would be England. The grass-roots people should know that while their political patron and idol is abroad croaking about hardship, he has spent billions of baht in acquiring plush residences in prime locations in London and elsewhere with the immense power of his money.

The ruckus over his plan to purchase English soccer club Manchester City was just a ploy to keep himself in the news, using the British and Thai press for free advertisement after fooling Temasek Holdings into a mega bum deal.

His bid to seek asylum status is to block the arm of Thai law from dragging him to trial session for high crimes. If the government and the CNS want to contain Thaksin's continued attempts to stir up trouble, the most effective weapon is to instruct the Anti-Money Laundering Office to seek cooperation from its foreign counterparts to track down and freeze his family's assets.

As a man involved in the laundering of money stolen from the public, it will be difficult for Thaksin to find open arms and a hearty welcome wherever he goes. After all, money laundering is a high crime detested by law-enforcement authorities worldwide.

Come to think of it, it will be quite interesting to see which national leader is still willing to consort with a notorious criminal and welcome him for afternoon tea.

Sopon Ongkara