Red-carded Nirund to run again in Lampang

Published on October 12, 2005 - Candidate denies links to PM's sister; looks set to face wife of Senator Nikom, brother of TRT MP and former Democrat

Lampang's political arena is heating up for the 2006 Senate election, as the first popularly-elected Upper House nears the end of its six-year term in March.

With at least 10 prospective candidates vying for only three seats, the competition will be intense. But it's a familiar scenario all around the country, as provincial hopefuls line up for the 200 Senate seats.

Dr Nirund Jivasantikarn, founder of Yonok College in Lampang, ran six years ago, but was disappointed after being disqualified, receiving a “red card” from the Election Commission.

However, Nirund is confident this time. “I was born and raised in Lampang and even though I'm educated abroad, I want to use that knowledge and experience to develop my home town.”

Coming from a well-established family in Lampang, with a reputation for philanthropy, such as establishing the local college, Nirund is convinced that the people of Lampang will support him.

There have been allegations that Nirund has close ties to Yaowapa Wongsawat, Prime Minister Thaksin's sister and a Party-list MP from Thai Rak Thai. But he said: “I have equal respect for all the political parties, and work independently, so cronyism should not be a concern.

“Because the law prohibits Senate candidates from holding public rallies, I'll probably go and introduce myself personally to the people,” Nirund commented about his campaign tactics.

Nirund faces a challenge from Nipha Chaokittisopon, wife of current Lampang Senator Nikom Chaokittisopon. She comes with the support of her husband, who wants her to replace him in the Upper House, as senators are prohibited by law from having a second term.

Nikom, who owns Kasalong Ceramics, is preparing a tight tactical plan for his wife, hoping that his voter-base of around 40,000 – which saw him come in third in the last poll – will switch to her in next year's election.

Phayungsak Chantarasurin, vice president of Siam University and the brother of Thai Rak Thai MP for Lampang, Pinit Chantarasurin, is another candidate with a strong voter base. His family's political legacy may also give him leverage in the election as well.

Phayungsak said that he wants to use his expertise in education and the power of being a senator to bring about change and development.

Former Democrat MP Jinda Wongsawat is another candidate.

“I've been in the political arena for a long time, and I'm familiar with the darker side of politics, which is a rather treasonous past-time. I want to be part of an institution that is independent from this sort of foul play” he said.

Jinda complained that “the current Senate has its cronies in the government, making it next to impossible to find a middle ground. When the State is at fault, they see praise. They never produce a truthful judgement. This is not the duty of a senator.”

Jinda said the Office of the Election Commission should take the Senate poll seriously, “and not commit the same mistakes that have allowed corruption to occur. For instance, in the Lampang voting block, there is already a rumour spreading of vote buying. I'm not so confident that I will win, but I still want the people to have good representatives to run the country.”

Other candidates, including a former MP from the Chat Pattana Party and daughter of the late Boonteng Thongsawat, and prominent political figure Tanthong Thongswat, have not yet announced whether they will run. They are still observing the political moves of their rivals – and the public's response.

Porntip Palacheva, Trip Kirtiputra
The Nation