Mingkwan: the joke was on me

Despite reports that he would be removed from both of these posts, Mingkwan seemed at ease. He was as voluble as usual and entertained the audience with jokes at his own expense.

He strode firmly up to the dais. Though most people deliver addresses standing, Mingkwan said he preferred being seated.

"The last time I spoke standing, I fell over. It still frightens me," he said, smiling. Certainly, this broke the ice, and the audience roared with laughter.

It didn't stop there: à propos of the Cabinet reshuffle, he said: "Regardless of what you may have heard, I'm here today representing the prime minister."

But before he went on with his two-page speech, he asked the audience deadpan: "Have the new ministers received the royal endorsement? Do you know, I really don't know."

In the speech proper, he said he would give data compiled by the working committee on food and energy management, of which he was chairman "at least for the time being".

Though his speech dealt with serious matters like rising food prices and energy security, Mingkwan deftly raised laughs. At one point he asked what date it was. While the audience wondered whether disappointment over the reshuffle had made him lose track of time, he said: "Do interact, or I shall get lonely."

He must feel lonely indeed after being moved to the Industry Ministry. On his first day in office, he was overheard telling officials to give him some hints on things that could affect his job. We did know of course that Samak had lashed out at him for being the dupe of his inferiors at Commerce.

"I don't want to be moved again," he told the officials.

Poor dear!