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 During the censure motion debate, he was grilled by Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thuangsuban, who asked why Chalerm never dared to set foot in the South, let alone the conflict-ravaged three southernmost provinces.

This week, Chalerm decided to prove his detractors wrong. So he went south to three provinces. No, he didn't go to Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala; he went instead to Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket. Chalerm wanted to investigate first-hand the alleged illegal occupation of land - allegations made by his political opponents. The trip was also designed to be a snub to Suthep, who attacked Chalerm over his dealing with the transfers of land ownership.

Chalerm didn't say this, but obviously he wanted to get his "signature" message across: "Do you know who you are dealing with?"". The version from Chalerm's sons goes: "Do you know who my father is?" So, Chalerm wanted to show that this interior minister has a brave heart.

On Tuesday, Chalerm was scheduled to arrive at Phuket. But his people told him his opponents were waiting for him at Phuket Airport. So he re-routed to Krabi province. But then the crowds moved from Phuket to Krabi. Some 300 people were waiting to greet him at Krabi Airport and they followed him to the hotel.

At first, Chalerm thought that these People's Alliance for Democracy supporters were well-wishers welcoming him to the South. After all, they were standing peacefully and holding banners. From inside the car  Chalerm saw their lips moving. Elsewhere, he had been greeted by supporters chanting, "Welcome, Chalerm". So, he lowered his window to hear what they were saying. But it wasn't what he had expected. Most of the people were wearing yellow headbands, the PAD's signature. Instead of a welcoming note, Chalerm heard the PAD supporters clearly. They said, "Chalerm go home!"

Taking a closer look at the banners, Chalerm came to realise that these also carried hostile messages. Some read: "We don't welcome Samak or Chalerm." The crowd may have gathered in a peaceful manner but its message was clear: they didn't want Chalerm there. So, the interior minister rushed to get inside his hotel, where he stayed all night. But the PAD people also waited all night, ready to catch him in the morning.

Early yesterday, Chalerm rushed back to Bangkok. This time he didn't bother with the caravan entourage he normally asks for. He just sneaked out of the hotel quietly. But when he arrived back in Bangkok, Chalerm told reporters, "I will go back in two weeks."