Newin Chidchob, a key member of the Bhumjaithai Party, has confirmed he will not return to active politics even though his five-year political ban ended on May 30.
He said this in an interview at his residence Thursday, where a large number of politicians, government officials and close associates turned up to wish him a happy birthday.
Mr Newin celebrated his 54th birthday.
He said he would not return to politics because he is now very happy managing his Buri Ram United football club with the intention of encouraging Thai footballers to play professionally abroad.
Mr Newin said he would be glad to give political advice, if asked, but his involvement would not extend to serving in any political post.
"I have to admit that I have had a lot of conflict with people in political circles. My continued presence in politics will only cause a wider division and ruin the country's chance of achieving reconciliation," he said.
Mr Newin said Anuthin Charnvirakul would be a suitable choice if elected leader of Bhumjaithai at the party's assembly on Oct 24, replacing his father Chavarat, who has resigned.
It is now time for people of a new generation to step up to create a new political dimension free of conflict, he added.
In 2007 Newin was banned from politics for five years for being an executive of the Thai Rak Thai Party, which was disolved by the Constitution Court for electoral offences.