Bua's efforts on behalf of the Thai economy seem to have whetted his appetite for politics and from time to time he emerged to cause consternation in the corridors of power. In 2001, after the Bank of Thailand announced it would consolidate its currency reserves, including Bua's donations, to pay off Thailand's debts, a furious Bua said that the funds should be called on only in dire emergency and accused government ministers of being "ravenous ghouls seeking to eat the people's guts". He insisted the cash and gold must be kept untouched in what he called "the national vault". Meanwhile his followers demonstrated in Bangkok, demanding the impeachment of finance minister Tarrin Nimmanahaeminda and prime minister Chuan Leekpai. Within months the government had been forced to shelve its plans and the two ministers bowed down to Bua and offered him flowers.