Former deputy finance minister Newin Chidchob has been so tainted by corruption scandals that the country's political parties continue to reject his overtures for membership.
The politician is considered a liability even by the most forgiving of Thailand's parties who would typically welcome any vote winner in the run-up to polls - due on November 17.
Mr Newin was thrown out of Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa's Cabinet four months ago after an opposition no-confidence motion.
When Mr Banharn dissolved the house last month in favour of fresh elections the outspoken member for the northeastern province of Buri Ram and his clique of MPs thought they could switch to the New Aspiration party.
But ambitious Defence Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's planners rejected Mr Newin's approaches. So did the smaller Social Action and Muanchon parties.
When Mr Newin tried to return to the premier's own Chart Thai party he found the door closed - on the orders of Mr Banharn himself, according to party officials.