Thaksin rewards Gov’s wife

PHUKET TOWN: Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has dipped into his own pocket and handed 100,000 baht to Mantana Vasaputi, wife of Phuket’s Governor CEO. She was one of nine provincial governors’ wives to receive awards for providing “a warm home” for their hard-working spouses. K. Mantana, 49, told the Gazette modestly that the award was a result of her husband’s achievements. “I didn’t expect to get an award. However, when I heard about it, I was delighted.” She said, “I and the other [governors’ wives] received the awards because, we are told, we give good support to our husbands. Being the wife of a governor is not easy. My husband has very little time for his family, so he lets me look after the house and the children. I’m happy to do it. “He told me [when he became Governor of Tak] that 80% of his time would be dedicated to the public and the rest to the family. “I don’t get involved in his work, so I don’t usually know what he’s doing as Governor, though if he asks me for my opinion, I give it,” K. Mantana said. Gov Pongpayome and K. Mantana were married when he was Chief of Nawa District in Nakhon Phanom province. She has an education degree from Ramkhamhaeng Open University. The couple have three children aged 22, 21 and 12. She told the Gazette that the 100,000-baht award will be put aside for the university education of her youngest because Gov Pongpayome is due to retire in five years.