Prime Minister's Office secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva yesterday apologised to Labour Minister Chalerm Yubamrung for any trouble caused by the posting of a photo of "the ice cream gang".
Mr Chalerm talked to reporters on Monday after he saw the picture of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's team of government spokesmen enjoying ice cream posted on Mr Suranand's Facebook page.
"Don't try to be on the same footing as me. I never think highly of you, never consider you important... and don't come and offer me apologies," Mr Chalerm said, referring to Mr Suranand.
Last Thursday, Mr Chalerm said there was an "ice cream gang" close to the prime minister that would cause her trouble.
The next day, government spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi posted the picture on Instagram, apparently ridiculing Mr Chalerm for his remarks.
The image showed Mr Teerat, Mr Suranand and two women holding ice creams during their visit to Poland. The image carries the caption "Ice Cream Gang!".
The photo was taken during the prime minister's official trip to Poland and Turkey.
Mr Suranand Tuesday said he had no intention of poking fun at Mr Chalerm and he still had respect for him. The posting of the picture might have been ill-timed, he said.
He would seek an opportunity to meet Mr Chalerm in person to apologise him, Mr Suranand said, adding Ms Yingluck had nothing to do with the matter.
The "ice cream gang" term is understood to mean those who are inexperienced or have childish habits.