ALL IN THE FAMILY IN KORAT

Published on October 10, 2005 - Wives, brothers and other relatives of politicians and prominent businessmen face off in northeastern province with the most seats

The senate race in Nakhon Ratchasima next year will be one to watch because several family members of politicians have emerged to contest the eight seats up for grabs in this Northeastern province.

Korat, the local name for Nakhon Ratchasima, is second only to Bangkok in terms of the number of senators and MPs. The current Senate term ends in March, and the elections will be held some time after that.

The wives of politicians are adding colour to the election, especially Bunmani Uasri, wife of Senator Ubol Uasri, and Napaporn Pattanachot, wife of Senator Pichet Pattanachot.

Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop is backing his wife Poonpirom Liptapanlop.

Linda Cherdchai, daughter-in-law of Suchinda Cherdchai, the owner of the country's bus chassis and bus body firm, will also join the race.

Sampat Atthawong, brother of Thai Rak Thai MP Suporn Atthawong, is taking part, as is Bunlert Krutkunthod, brother of former TRT party-list MP Chamlong Krutkunthod.

Former deputy provincial governor Sanguan Ratniran and businessman Thawisan Lokanurak will also contest.

Poonpirom is considered a “sure bet'' because her husband has been a local MP for many terms and he has won the most votes in the province. Suwat's political base is believed to be over 200,000 votes. He is also increasing the chances of Sanerjit Jitkokkruad, ex-vice president of Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organisation, by supporting him in the race.

Napaporn is also a favourite to win because her husband Pichet is a well-known figure in Korat.

“I am confident that she can win because she has been helping me to assist constituents during my trips to Bangkok to attend Senate meetings,'' he said.

Linda has a chance in Korat town but she needs more support from rural constituents to win the seat. Bunmani may have to work hard to win because neither she nor her husband have a strong political base.

Senate candidate Kritsadang Taewsopong, a former Chat Pattana MP, is believed to have a strong chance to be among the eight winners.

Pracha Chatwongwan, who quit his post as a member of the Provincial Administrative Organisation to join the senate race, is another favourite because he has the backing of TRT party-list MP Somchai Chatpattanasiri, who controls the village heads.

Yuthasil Thapanakul, former TRT party-list MP, is another strong candidate but he has to work hard because his political base is very small.

Sampat is cautious about his chances. He said it is up to the Korat people to decide if they trust him to be their Senator.

“I have long wanted to join the race. If the Korat people give me the chance, I will work for the people to the best of my ability,'' he said.

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Budsarakham Sinlapalavan
The Nation