Klanarong Chantik said he always spends the New Year holidays at home. He thinks taking a rest at home during long weekends is the best, especially as he is always busy. He said he would make the most of the rest before going back to work.

Committee spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said he didn't have any plans for a trip to the provinces as he wanted to avoid the crowds, accommodation difficulties and congested traffic.

Despite expectations from people that the AEC would have "big surprises" after the New Year, Sak said the committee had to investigate cases carefully, which meant it might not be ready too quickly.

AEC secretary-general Kaewsan Atibodhi said he didn't plan to travel during the holidays either as he didn't want to compete with others at the tourist spots and restaurants.

However, the AEC's determination in doing their job had been rewarding enough for him, no matter what the results of their investigations.

Udom Fuangfung is different from his colleagues as he plans to take a short trip.

He said it was his family's tradition to take New Year holidays.  Such trips to provinces near Bangkok always impress him, he said. Nevertheless, he and his family will have to select which province to visit this year.

Being a Christian, Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka said the Christmas and New Year holidays were a relaxing time for her.

She sang a hymn called "King of Love" in the choir at a church before riding in a tuk tuk to hand out religious pamphlets yesterday.

However, she plans to take a rest at home before going to work as normal over the New Year holidays. Jaruvan is also the auditor-general, so she has two offices.

The good news is that she and her colleagues have finished investigating many scandals, she said. She guaranteed Thais will hear good news after the holidays.

Real progress is certainly the New Year present many people have been waiting for.

Budsarakham    Sinlapalavan,

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation