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Published on April 10, 2008

Chaiya had come under heavy pressure to resign from the Samak Cabinet in the wake of the National Counter-Corrup-tion Commission's (NCCC) ruling that he had broken the law.

The anti-graft body found his wife had violated the 5-per-cent shareholding limit that is allowed for ministers and their spouses.

Thus, Chaiya was disqualified as a Cabinet member.

Padermchai said his brother did not have a proper understanding about the charter's anti-graft regulations so he did not take steps to avoid making the mistake during a 30-day timeline.

As a likely successor to his brother, he said he was ready to do the job if Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej appointed him as replacement.

A government source said Chaiya had named Padermchai as his successor when he notified Samak about his decision to quit.

Government chief whip Chai Chidchob yesterday said Padermchai might replace his younger brother at the ministry.

"The two are brothers

and interchangeable for ministerial appointments," he said.

Samak confirmed he was waiting for Chaiya to formally tender his resignation before moving on to name his successor.

"Don't worry, Chaiya is taking steps to tender his resignation," he said.

Samak added the government is also waiting for an official letter from the NCCC on his disqualification.

Kesinee Jaikawang,

Duangkamol SajiRawattanakul

The Nation