I'm proud to be "Mr Happy Toilet" : Wan

At 33, the son of Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung is pleased with his new role at the Public Health Ministry, not only as secretary to the deputy minister: he is now "Mr Happy Toilet,"in charge of a campaign to make all toilets clean.

Wan believes this mission could create a public perception of him as a good guy.

Q : Why do you want to be a politician?

 Wan : It's my dream. I know I've made mistakes. Now I want to prove that I can work for society. I want to run for Parliament in a general election. That might make people accept me.

When I was young, people from round about used to come and ask my father for help. They were all welcome to talk with the family. I remember that vividly.

My father has three sons. I look the most like him. I used to go with him to the provinces on election campaigns. He made the Yoobamrung name famous throughout the country. I'm afraid political work will fade away in the family if there is nobody to follow in his footsteps. That's why I have to get into politics.

Q: Don't you think people will laugh at you? "Mr. Happy Toilet" may sound funny to them.

Wan : Of course they will, but I'm proud of the role. I shan't care if someone says: "Hey! Here's Mr. Happy Toilet!" I've had worse said about me.

Q: How do you feel about being in the public eye?

Wan : It used to feel terrible. I used to have a good cry with a friend, or with my Japanese Koi fish, particularly when the Criminal Court banned me from entertainment spots like discotheques for two years. No one else has ever been sentenced to that. I'm just an ordinary man who loves his friends and wants to protect them. I just want to prove that I can be a good guy, and I want to tell people that there's no way my family is corrupt.

Q : Has your father taught you anything about politics?

Wan : No, never. He says I have to learn about it and get on with it by myself.

Q : What is your next plan in your work for the Public Health Ministry?

Wan : I'm a Liverpool fan. I want to promote football as a healthy activity for people across the country. because football's my favourite thing.

Xtra : Wan Yoobamroong is a Wednesday child of Chalerm Yoobamrung, who is Minister of the Interior. He has two brothers, Art-harn and Duang Yoobamrung.

- Wan has two sons, Gamo and Namo. He graduated from Ramkhamhaeng University with bachelor's and master's degrees in law and is a secretary to the deputy minister of Public Health.

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

DAILY XPRESS