When the CNS orchestrated the coup, Saprang cited depleted moral standards as the justification. He set about portraying himself as a good citizen who was concerned about social well-being.

When there was a rumour that he would lead another coup to take power from General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, he flatly denied it, saying that he did not want to cause chaos in the Thai society he so deeply loved. In effect, he was portrayed as a gentle patriot.

However, senior employees of TOT might take a different view.

Two weeks ago Saprang chaired a board meeting, where on the agenda was the finalisation of the bonus payments for 2006. Given that TOT has about 20,000 employees and the issue would interest all of them, Saprang allowed a live broadcast from the meeting room so that all staff could watch through the internal communications network.

There Saprang sat at the head of the large table, being briefed by top executives at TOT on the issues involved in the bonus payment.

After an hour, he lost patience. He barked at the executives for their conflicting information and beat-around-the-bush reporting styles.

"Have you all been working together? Why do you guys all have different information? After all you have said, I don't understand a bit. Have you ever talked to each other on this?" He shot the questions, leaving no doubt about his displeasure.

The executives promptly told him that they would resubmit the report.

Instead of commending them for the effort in completing the report, Saprang asked them briskly: "How many days will it take for the new report to be finished?"

When the executives answered "five days", Saprang snapped back: "Three days is enough. It will be ready next Tuesday. Right?"

Then, in desperation: "I'm a soldier and have never been entitled to a bonus, yet I'm here to approve payments for you people." The implication was clear: they should have been better prepared. The Army works differently, he was suggesting, and without the apparent rewards.

The question then arises what other aspects of his character will be revealed in the years to come. As far as we know, the National Counter Corruption Commission has received a petition that accuses Saprang of wasting Airports of Thailand money on a trip to Britain and Germany, as his relatives were amongst the participants. What if the NCCC rules that he abused his power? Will the military demeanour remain?

achara_d@nationgroup.com