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Published on September 22, 2007

"If you ask me what I will do after I retire, I cannot answer. Whatever I do is up to the PM and the government. Ask the PM if he thinks that I am useful. It is up to him,'' he said.

Speculation grew yesterday about a possible Cabinet reshuffle after Information and Communication Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom announced his intention to quit in the wake of a controversy over three Cabinet members' exceeding the 5-per-cent shareholding limit.

The two other Cabinet members in question are Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya and Deputy Commerce Minister Oranuj Osatananda.

Sitthichai told a press conference yesterday that he would hand in his resignation to the prime minister on September 30, a day after the premier returns from his visit to the United Nations. It will take effect on October 1.

"I suggest that PM's Office Minister Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan succeed me," he said.

Aree yesterday vowed to cling to his office in order to complete the task of overseeing the general election, but conceded his misconduct in violating the 5-per-cent cap on equity stakes.

"I won't be resigning, otherwise I might walk into a malicious trap to lure me out of my job," he said.

Oranuj also decided to stay on, saying that her resignation could shake the entire government. "I have a social responsibility as the minister. I am in the administration team, and I have to think carefully whether my resignation will affect the whole team," she said at a press conference.

Sonthi yesterday said he has not decided to enter politics even though some political parties have approached him. Asked if he thinks he has the qualities to become PM, Sonthi said he is not interested - now nor in the future.

The general is going to retain his seat as chairman of the Council for National Security after his mandatory retirement at the end of the month.

During the press conference to announce the Army's achievement, Sonthi was seen joking with General Saprang Kalayanamitra, who was rumoured to have quit after being kicked upstairs to the post of deputy permanent-secretary at the Defence Ministry .

Asked about his new post, Saprang said, "I am happy. I am a soldier. I accept every position that my superior wants me to do. I will not quit,'' he said.

Army commander designated General Anupong Paochinda refused questions by reporters and did not show any feeling for his promotion. "It is not yet time. Wait till I assume the post,'' he said.

National Legislative Assembly member Prasong Soonsiri opposed the move to push for Sonthi to become deputy prime minister, saying it was unreasonable because Sonthi still oversees the country security as CNS chief.

"It is better he stays at the CNS because he has more freedom than limitations,'' he said.

People Power Party spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang, said if Sonthi becomes deputy prime minister, every one will believe that he wants to cling to power.

The National Counter Corruption Commission on Thursday said Aree, Sitthichai and Oranuj had violated the limit on equity holdings by ministers, but would not face prosecution.

The trio was free to step down if they chose, but he would not follow their lead. He insisted he had not broken any law and that his resignation , if submitted, might be construed as an admission of guilt.

PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan yesterday suggested that all three ministers resign in order to clear lingering doubts over their assets, and said they might be re-appointed after placing their shares in a trust fund.

"Frankly speaking, the government's image might be tarnished if some ministers stay in the job in spite of ethical misconduct," he said, noting that the equity-cap violation was an ethical issue, not a legal one.

He said the prospect of a Cabinet reshuffle was gaining momentum, although he was not in a position to say whether the new line-up would pave the way for junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin to join the government.

"Ministerial appointments are under the sole jurisdiction of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont," he said.

Charter drafting chairman Prasong Soonsiri said ethical provisions in the 2007 Constitution laid out clear guidelines for the three ministers to make their decision.

"The three can hold on to their office legally, but should think about the consequences of their tarnished reputation," he said.

Speaking about Sitthichai's imminent departure, PM's Office Minister Dhipavadee said Surayud would decide the new Cabinet line-up. "Sitthichai can suggest a candidate to succeed him, but Surayud has final say on the matter," she said.

The Nation