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Published on April 10, 2008

Indeed, a similar story appeared in Krungthep Turakij last week.

The column mentioned one of the 111 politicians of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai Party without actually naming him.

It also mentioned that the former party executive, although banned from politics for five years, was represented in the government through his wife.

The politician's name was kept secret. Let's find out it is who.

There are only three female ministers in the government whose husbands were executives of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party: Suwat Liptapanlop's wife Poonpirom who now energy minister; Somsak Thepsuthin's wife, Anongwan; and Pairote Suwanchawee's wife, Ranongrak.

But there has been no reports about Anongwan or Ranongrak summoning high-ranking officials for briefings at their residences.

However, there were reports that the energy permanent secretary and his deputies and directors-general of key departments of a particular ministry were summoned to convene at Poonpirom's home.

What is peculiar is the meeting takes place at 11am on Wednesdays, when Poonpirom, as a minister, is supposed to be in her office like everyone else working for the country and being paid by the taxpayers.

I remember that before taking office, Poonpirom commissioned a renovation of her office, as well as the offices of more than 20 advisers on the ministry's premises. If the offices are ready, why should weekday meetings be held at her home rather than in the newly beautified offices?

Matichon also said the unnamed husband had his wife hold the meeting at home out of concern for her welfare, fearing she may not be adequately equipped to protect herself.

Aside from this irregular meeting, the gossip certainly stirs up doubts about Suwat's role in all of this. If it is confirmed that he attended the home meeting, which hat was his wearing?

Certainly, if he made any suggestions, would that make him the minister's adviser? If so, can being an adviser to a minister be defined as "political activity", one that the 111 politicians are banned from performing?

To be fair, he could have been present without saying a word. After all, he's only a caring husband who knows his wife is entirely new to the political world.

Achara Deboonme

achara_d@nationgroup.com

The Nation