From chief of the Government Savings Bank, he became chairman of a community development foundation's advisory board and served the NGO diligently for years. He took on a tough job as the social minister and vowed to work even harder when he accepted the deputy prime minister's post months ago.

Now, Paiboon says he's getting tired. Certainly, it could follow from his disappointment over the delayed enactment of a community law. At a seminar yesterday, he said many reporters had asked him if he would quit in protest. He was vague on whether he would stay on, but said he would show others that despite conflicts, he could work with others through "harmonious" means.

Somehow, by saying so, he showed the spirit to continue working. But it is also clear that problems at the office have pushed him to take a break.

"During the past few months, I have got the urge to be more with my wife [Khunying Jada, ex-president of Siam Commercial Bank]," he said with a sheepish grin.

It must be awful for him that when he's facing various pressures, his wife - the woman whom he needs the most - is now in Russia. Certainly, his heart could have flown to her.

Lighten up, son

At the press conference on Tuesday where Sigve Brekke, CEO of Total Access Communication, formally introduced DTAC's "People's IPO", among the reporters and company officials was a white-haired man who was so delighted in cheering up Brekke.

Brekke Sr was dressed like his son, in a pair of faded blue jeans and white shirt. From the back, they nearly looked the same with a similar hairstyle, clothes and height.

It was Brekke Sr's first trip to Bangkok and he enjoyed it very much. Certainly, what he disliked the most here must be the serious look on his son's face.

As soon as Brekke Jr stepped from the stage, dad rushed towards his son and used his fingers to release the frowns on junior's face.

"You looked too serious," he said. And at the point, junior smiled. Somehow, both of them showed a sense of humour, though junior could be tense right now when his company is going to make its debut on the Thai stock exchange.

achara_d@nationgroup.com