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Published on March 1, 2008

Tomorrow's Senate election is likely to be a sleepy one, as indicated by the poor turnout for advance voting.

But in Bangkok, where the race is expected to be fierce, voters cannot seem to escape the fever generated by the return of Thaksin Shinawatra. The former prime minister, it seems, will continue to be a major factor for voters.

Senate election rules prohibit candidates from openly claiming affiliation with political parties. Of the 505 candidates, 35 are competing in Bangkok. Each of the 76 provinces will elect one senator. Another 74 senators were appointed last month.

Like the rest of the country, one of the major complaints from Bangkok voters is that they have never heard of many candidates.

Only four in Bangkok are well known - People's Alliance for Democracy member Rosana Tositrakul, Rangsit University economics dean Anusorn Thamajai, former constitution court judge Manit Witthayatem and songwriter Nitipong Hor-nak.

Supporters of Anusorn and Nitipong will likely reject Rosana, a consumer-rights advocate, who was elected to the last Senate along with 17 others from Bangkok.

Anusorn, known for his anti-coup stance, is popular in some business circles. His stance towards Thaksin is unclear. In fact, Anusorn's campaign posters stress he is "neutral and just" and will carry out his duties "creatively".

Nitipong may attract votes from those fed up with the continuing political division.

Manit is a former Constitutional Court judge with a pro-Thaksin voting record. The most high-profile vote was that against a proposal to nullify the May 2006 general election.

With only a short time before voting, some prominent people were making last-ditch attempts to endorse candidates.

Former senator Jon Ungpakorn sent out emails in support of Rosana. "Although I may not agree with Rosana on every topic, Rosana is an honest person, straightforward and can't be bought. She dares to challenge those who abuse power," he wrote.

Political website Fah Diew Kan ran a casual poll in which members overwhelmingly chose Anusorn. Anusorn led Rosana by nearly 30 votes, or 51.43 per cent to 22.86 per cent. But, given that many voters feel disenfranchised by the new Constitution - which requires half the Senate be selected - political division and a low turnout for advance voting, the outcome is far from certain.

One young voter said she had not yet made up her mind and was unsure if she would vote at all.

Pravit Rojanapruk

The Nation