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Published on February 13, 2008

 Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee was meeting with central bank governor Tarisa Watanagase yesterday to discuss the possibility of revoking the capital reserve requirement.

Since Surapong's People Power Party won the general election, he has made it known that the revocation would be at the top on his agenda.

But from that day until the new government was formed, the central bank has defended the merits of the measure. If not for the capital reserve requirement, the baht could have strengthened above Bt32

per dollar, BOT executives said.

Executives were united on this front. As the central bank's governor was to meet the finance minister for the first time yesterday, they were ready to accompany her to the Finance Ministry's premises.

Seen around Tarisa were two assistant governors, Suchada Kirakul and Atchana Waiquamdee. To reporters covering the Bank of Thailand, the three women are working like the three glamorous stars of the famous ABC series "Charlie's Angels".

And probably assuming the role of "Charlie" was BOT deputy governor Bandid Nijathaworn.

But even superwomen need help at times.

Thus Tarisa had extra

help from a heavily built security guard. While she walked into the building, the guard put his hand around Tarisa's arm to protect her from the mob of reporters.

The scene was stunning. And reporters must have clearly shown over-excited facial expressions.

"Why do you look at me like I'm a monster?" Tarisa asked.

She is not a monster. Reporters were just impressed by the blockbuster scene.

achara_d@nationgroup.com

The Nation