Manit Nopamornbodi, the deputy health minister, has refused to quit despite the fact that he was named together with his boss, Public Health Minister Vitthaya Kaewparadai, for being responsible for suspected malpractices in spending money on a number of projects.
Manit's party, Bhumjaithai, has ruled that he doesn't have to resign just yet. But PM Abhisit Vejjajiva, is putting pressure on him to "follow the ethics of new politics." It's a big test for the PM who has to show that he is really in charge. There cannot be two different standards for two Cabinet members even though they belong to different parties.
After all, PM Abhisit has set down his 9 "iron-clad rules" for his Cabinet. And one of his no-no's is for any Cabinet to be involved in any scandals.
The PM has rejected Manit's request for a 30-day leave of absence.
My guess is Manit will hand in his resignation in the next few days -- in time for the premier's Cabinet reshuffle that includes the new education and public health ministers.
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