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 "I have no problem working with the Cabinet, just with some Cabinet members," she said at a press conference on Sunday.

 "It's uncomfortable to work with the team that shows divided thinking. This government shows some signs of problems as members criticised others. I don't feel bad about those persons, but they are breaking etiquettes. As a team, if fearing that (business holdings) would tarnish the government's image, they should have sought personal discussion with me. They needed not to talk to the public," Oranuj cited the reasons of her decision.

 Her resignation would be submitted to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont immediately after his return from an overseas trip. It is expected to take effect on October 1.

Oranuj insisted that to her it is easy to resign. Still, she had waited until she had time to consult with Surayud. However, she called Surayud's secretary and informed him of her decision on growing discomfort.

 At the end of press conference, Commerce Permanent Secretary Karun Kittisataporn and other officials also presented her a bouquet of flowers to show her moral supports.

 The year 2000 graft law allows ministers to hold no more than 5 per cent of a company's registered capital. 

Oranuj holds a stake in a family business, a 20-room guest house registered under the name Ban Dok Pud with a registered capital of Bt3 million. Oranuj holds a 60-per-cent stake in the company.

 She also holds a 12-per-cent interest in a 45-room hotel business named Udom Raemruay, whose registered capital is Bt20 million, and a 50-per-cent stake in another hotel called Vieng Tai registered under Boonyaprom Co Ltd, which has registered capital of Bt100 million.

 Oranuj has held the stakes for 40 years, having inherited them from her parents.The combined value of the three companies is Bt54.5 million.

The Nation