To date, none of that has been translated into action, because the new ministers are gathering information that will be vital for their future decisions. But we have observed that the government has followed one more path in carrying out its mission - a religious one.

Do you know that Surayud chaired a ceremony to mark the Muslim fasting month? The ceremony took place at Government House.

Then he hosted a kathin, a merit-making ritual whereby various essential items are donated to monks. He also said on that day that we should all stick to religious teachings to calm ourselves. He added that he became a good man only after he turned 60, when he was himself ordained and studied Buddhism in detail.

Then it became known on Tuesday that the Public Health Ministry would proceed with a total ban on alcohol advertising. It is expected that in weeks, all such advertising will be banned round the clock from all media and every television channel. Even give-aways will be banned.

Finance Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula also moved to review the merits of the lottery. At first, the government implied the lottery would simply be scrapped, which would certainly dash the hopes of many poor citizens, following windfalls of millions of baht by a few lucky winners. But then, probably after fears that its abolishment would give birth to an underground lotto mafia, he softened his tone. He will instead review the merits of the scheme, such as how the proceeds are distributed and for whose benefit.

Obviously, while Surayud is out to promote religious beliefs, his two ministers are moving to tackle alcohol and gambling. The government is pursuing a path to make society better. The message is clear: all sins must be wiped out. Or if any are to stay, their advantages must outweigh the disadvantages.

This reminds me of something. These elder ministers are acting like they are our fathers, who are obliged to protect their children from all bad things.

Indeed, they could be our fathers, given their age: the combined years of all 26 ministers total 1,600. No surprise then that they have been dubbed the Ban Bangkhae Cabinet, named after the renowned home for the elderly.

Indeed, the name best fits their profile and future actions.

For example, probably due to their advanced years, the government plans to ban aerobics at Sanam Luang, saying exercise can take place elsewhere, just not at there. Surely, strenuous aerobic dance would suit none of the Cabinet members, given their age.

achara_d@nationgroup.com