Streetwise: Sunny disposition in political firmament

Energy Minister Wannarat Charn-nukul may be an exception. While in Cha-Am for a recent forestation project, he was pleased that there was no rain.

"What if it rains today? I suppose we should think ourselves lucky as the trees will benefit," he said with a smile.

At all events, he said he was happy to be in Cha-Am, given that for two months since taking office he had rarely stepped out of meeting rooms. He said that from the schedule of his in-law Suwat Liptapanlop he had known that being a minister must be busy but never thought it would be this busy.

Still, he welcomed the job. As a physician, he told reporters, he was also busy and had to handle many patients a day. He had to do rounds and be on duty at odd hours.

Now he takes home a thick bundle of documents, which he needs to read before attending tomorrow's meetings. He said details were important or he would not come up with the right policy. Though this requires him to start reading after a late dinner when he gets home at 9pm, the minister said he was willing.

"It's all is challenging, and I love challenges."

Wannarat did not want to be a politician, though he developed an interest in politics at an early age. He recalled the old days when he was the only one in a provincial school to win a prize from a politician who asked what his election number was. Yet, forced into politics by a persuasive Suwat, he has won five elections.

In an uncertain political environment, he does not seem unduly worried.

Asked if he was afraid that he would be removed when the Somchai administration was reshuffled, he promptly said: "No, that's out of the question." Understandably, the energy portfolio seems to be the fixed quota for Ruamjai Thai Chat Pattana. Wannarat's predecessor Poonpirom also represented that party.

He quipped that he stood less chance of being kicked out personally than did the entire government in the current political atmosphere.

Well, why fear, when you know you are coming back again?