The Nation randomly interviewed people in the northern capital about their voting intentions in the general election.

"I think the policies of Thai Rak Thai are better, such as the Bt30 medical scheme and the [Bt1 million] village fund, but the problem with them is that they are corrupt," said Vilai Sae Tia, a hotel worker.

Although she will vote for the Democrats to give leader Abhisit Vejjajiva a chance to run the country, she finds Abhisit, who is in his early 40s, still lacking in seniority and maturity. "Other politicians are pretty old," Vilai said.

The Democrats' policy on universal access to secondary education has her backing, however.

A similar view was expressed by Theraphong Lertchoosakul, owner of a pharmacy, about Abhisit's television campaign. "I watched the advertising and it didn't strike me as anything extraordinary. He appeared like a youth and he has yet to look mature."

Theraphong's wife added: "Abhisit's character lacks gravitas."

The two will either vote for the Democrats or cast no vote because they believe caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is hugely corrupt.

A souvenir shop owner on the busy Thapae Road, who said she would probably vote for none of the parties, said even people in Chiang Mai who were not pro-Thai Rak Thai believed the Democrats' policies might be difficult to execute if they were elected.

As for those people intending to vote for Thai Rak Thai, the response to Abhisit and his party ranged from disbelief to disdain.

"Abhisit is only good at talking, but he doesn't give results, unlike Thaksin," said Kanitha Yavichai, 31, who works at an Internet cafe in the night bazaar.

"I wonder if Abhisit can deliver [his electoral promises]," said Veerachai Lertpoomvilai, owner of Muslim Khao Soi Noodle Shop. "Every party has nice concepts, but can they deliver? I just hope the economy is stable and society is peaceful."

Tuk-tuk driver Boonlert Charoensap said: "I don't like Abhisit, especially as he involved himself in anti-government protests by boycotting the election. He looks too pretentious."

Thiemchan Chumvarathayee, a front-office worker at Galare Guest House who will definitely vote for Thai Rak Thai, said Abhisit should be ashamed about copying the ruling party's populist policies.

"He used to say such policies were bad, so why is he proposing them now?" he asked.

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

Chiang Mai