TO THAI READERS, Khunying Vinita Diteeyont is comparable to the late American writer Michael Crichton. All novel readers are familiar with her pen names of "Kaew Kao" and "Wor Winitchaikul", which she has used for over 100 novels.
Many of her works have been adapted for Thai television, with "Ngao Phrai" being the latest. When the novel was serialised in the Thai magazine Sakulthai, the ghost story thrilled me. I anxiously waited for the next Monday's edition for the next episode, to see how the author developed the story.
I have to say that the ending was unexpectedly thrilling. And I also have to admit that she was great at writing ghost stories, particularly after I learnt that she has a ghost phobia.
At an informal talk hosted by the magazine, Vinita admitted that she had to finish these kinds of stories during the daytime. As soon as she finished, the story would be mailed right away to the publishing house and, upon confirmation from the receiving end, everything about it in her computer would be deleted.
If the story could not be finished during the daytime, she had to ask her husband to stay close by. Even if he was asleep on the sofa, it was better to have another person in the room, she said.
It's surprising that, even with this morbid fear, she climbed up the ladder to become one of the country's most acclaimed authors.
This should shed some lights into many dark corners. Sometimes you have to go with the flow of the tide. Even if obstacles are in the way, the end of the journey can see spectacular results.
Many people do not know how to go with the tide. They may have a dream, but they quit easily when they get derailed.
Chaiyos Chirametakorn, the deputy education minister, can confirm this. Like other politicians, he dreamed of becoming a minister. At first, he had his heart set on the Industry portfolio, thinking that his experience while serving on the House Committee on Industrial Policies would help him. The Education Ministry was on the Pheu Phandin MP's no-list, alongside Public Health and Foreign Affairs. He was frightened of well-educated bureaucrats, brilliant doctors, and English-fluent diplomats.
But as the negotiations over position were settled, he was put into the Education Ministry. But Chaiyos moved up, though cautiously.
Among his first assignments was to give a speech at a big seminar at the Siam City Hotel. That took place a week after his June 10 appointment. He was worried about the list of delegates, which included acclaimed educators like Mechai Richupan, Amaret Sila-On and Korn Dabbaransi, aside from many professors and PhD holders. As a minister, he had someone complete the speech for him. But as a minister's speech, it contained expresions meant to be addressed to those considered inferior. He was astute enough to toss the speech aside and instead speak his mind.
Though Chaiyos das not said whether he has developed enough courage to lead the Public Health or Foreign Affairs ministries, he admits now that he is happy with the Education post. He is on the way to developing education projects that will make him be remembered by voters.
Eventually, he overcame his fear. So, for this weekend, think thoroughly about your dreams and go after them.