Natural Resources and Environment Minister Gen Dapong Ratanasuwan admits he hired People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) co-leader Chitpas "Tant" Kridakorn to the ministry's working team but says she has now finished her work.
An internal ministry document signed by Gen Dapong to appoint eight people, including Ms Chitpas, to his team on Dec 30 last year was widely shared online yesterday.
The document drew criticism for its appropriateness since Ms Chitpas is part of the protest movement which tried to oust the Yingluck Shinawatra administration.
Gen Dapong yesterday admitted the document is authentic.
He said he hired Ms Chitpas for help in various areas. She was knowledgeable and competent, so he gave her work. However, she has since finished her work and is not doing anything at the ministry now.
According to a source, Gen Dapong's order appointing Ms Chitpas was suspended to avoid possible conflicts arising.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha brushed aside the drama yesterday, saying he had not seen the document. The team was set up to analyse the ministry's tasks and policies.