He was considered one of the most capable appointments, given his record at the ministry.

Krirk-krai is also a strong-headed man. When he studied at the Faculty of Political Science at Chulalongkorn University, he was elected the student chairman. His grades were good enough for him to enrol in one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities - Oxford.

Sadly, a series of disappointments have led businessmen to give a "C" grade to the government. And Krirk-krai is included among disappointing ministers.

But it is good to know that Krirk-krai is upset by the grade.

When meeting reporters yesterday, he complained: "I have learnt a lot, though I don't have a doctoral degree. However, I just barely passed this latest exam, though in the history of my schooling I was always number one in class," he said.

"So will all my reputation be damaged when I get old?" he asked. "What should I do? Should I resign so that my university reputation will be spared? Oxford is one of the world's most famous."

Luckily, he laughed. This is a good omen. He did not mean what he said. Why would he resign? He still has months to prove himself. The academic year has not yet ended. 

achara_d@nationgroup.com