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Published on February 23, 2008

Wan Yoobamrung insisted he could shed his bad boy image in dispensing his duties as secretary to Deputy Public Health Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul.

Wichianchot Sukchotrat assumed office as the government spokesman and his first statement was a denial that he got the job as a favour from former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"I submitted my job application through the People Power Party and just learnt about my appointment on Wednesday," Wichainchot said.

He did not lobby to secure the job and was confident he could serve well under the prime minister, he said, playing down speculation he was not the first choice of Samak Sundaravej.

"I intend to work with two objectives in mind - reconciliation and contructiveness," he said.

For the past year, the country suffered a great deal and he wanted to do everything in his power to overcome the difficult times, he said.

Wichianchot voiced optimism that the local media would help him do his job by offering suggestions on how to improve his performance.

"My job is not to confront but to foster understanding among all sides," he said.

He served in the police until retirement before working in various law enforcement positions.

Seen as close to the Thaksin government, he was appointed a member of the National Counter Corruption Commission but resigned along with his eight colleagues in 2006, accepting responsibility for a self-serving pay raise.

He is to be assisted by deputy spokeswoman Suparat Nakbunnam.

At the Public Health Ministry, Wan was greeted to a warm welcoming ceremony organised by Public Health permanent-secretary Prat Boonyawongwirot.

"For my mistakes in the past, I apologise for being a nuisance to society and would like to ask for a chance to serve the country as my penance," he said in reference to his past involvement in pub brawls.

In regard to speculation he might become a presenter in the awareness campaign against smoking and drinking, he said he would have to consult with parties concerned as he had not yet given up either habit.

"I don't think I would be a good role model as I am still drinking and smoking on an on-again, off-again basis," he said.

He expected to withstand any pressure and devote his time to work as proof of being reformed.

The Nation