Prapan says he deserves advisory job

He said he had been a Democrat Party member since 1986, was one of its election candidates, and had always worked with Kalaya Sophonpanich before her appointment as science minister.

"I am no stranger," he said.

Prapan rejected claims his appointment was a reward to the People's Alliance for Democracy, whose frequent rallies last year destabilised the Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat governments.

"I appeal for justice from society. This position of ministerial adviser is not a coveted or powerful seat. If this was reciprocal, Chamlong Srimuang or Sondhi Limthongkul would have been appointed ministers," he said.

Kalaya said yesterday Prapan had been her colleague for more than 10 years and that he would advise her on social matters.

Prapan's appointment was not due to the fact he was a key figure in the PAD.

"I picked him because he is qualified, and not because he is a PAD leader." She considered Prapan's role in PAD rallies a personal matter.

Prapan is expected to start work today, by attending a meeting of Kalaya's advisers at the ministry.