‘Small' names, big ambitions

Published on October 17, 2005 - Several newcomers planning to contest election because of concerns about media freedom, concentration of power

Only a few “big names” have appeared on the list of 30 potential candidates for Nonthaburi Senate seats. However, a number of “somewhat famous” people are positioning themselves to run for office.

The list of potential candidates includes the senior editor of Matichon newspaper, Boonlert Changyai Kachayuthadej, executive member of the Law Society of Thailand Mano Thongpan, chair of the Romsai Foundation Mana Buakhao, deputy commander of Provincial Police Region 1 Maj-General Boonlert Nantawisut, former Nonthaburi MP Ketsook Songwatcharaporn, and Phetchabun Governor Direk Teungfung.

These prospective candidates have been busy introducing themselves to voters, though they must avoid overt forms of campaigning in order to conform to election law.

Although an election date has not been set, polling will follow the Senate session next March.

Boonlert, a former charter drafter from Nonthaburi, said he had decided to stand for election because he wanted to be “the people's voice” and fight for media freedom.

As politicians and capitalists have recently come to dominate the media, the public needs media professionals to protect rights and freedoms, he said.

Boonlert added that his “self-introduction” to the voters had been well received. However, as veteran politicians know, a candidate needs political support from voters who have faith in him – and one way to build such support is to attend local events such as weddings and funerals.

Boonlert said he had attended such events for about five years because he was unable to refuse invitations from local people.

“I introduce myself to people in person. I had 30,000 name cards printed and they're almost out. I have to be careful not to violate the [election] laws, so I just introduce myself and don't seek votes,” he said.

He said candidates should prepare early, because if they wait until the official campaign period to introduce themselves to the public it will be too late.

Mano, a member of the Law Society of Thailand's committee for public service, said he distributed name cards primarily to introduce himself as a lawyer who gives advice to people.

He was a candidate for a Senate seat during the last election. Without having “introduced himself”, he received 11,464 votes, coming in 11th. Believing he can win a seat, he has decided to try again.

“This is not a remedy. I just want to be an alternative for Nonthaburi residents. I could do more in Parliament than in my current position. I have more than 30 years experience as a lawyer and I have taken care of underprivileged people, who have been failed by government officials,” he said.

If elected, he would like to be a member of the Senate committee for human rights and environment. The environment has been so severely damaged that only national agencies can solve the problem, he said.

Fellow candidate Mana, meanwhile, said he wanted a position that would allow him to expand his work caring for people.

Mana said the objective the Romsai Foundation, which he founded, was to help Nonthaburi residents who were in trouble. During the past five years, the foundation has provided coffins and lawyers for the poor, donated money to people who lost their homes to fire, and supported other local activities.

Local people have become familiar with him, so he is confident he will rank among the top four vote earners.

“I have prepared for the election for a year by taking care of people, which I have been doing for years. I also introduced myself, telling people I'll be a Senate candidate,” he said.

Mana said he wanted Nonthaburi to be a province where people did not take advantage of one another and that he hoped to work closely with the people.

After the next Senate session, he might be an MP candidate or run for mayor, he added.

Nonthaburi Thai Rak Thai MP Chalong Riewrang said local people tended to vote for candidates who attend local events, as they believe only such people can help develop the province.

He said that local people had noticed that the senators elected last time had not visited them.

Local people complain about Senate candidates who just showed up during the introduction period. They did not visit the people once elected, Chalong said.

With months yet to go, some celebrities might decide to be candidates and add more colour to the campaign, as when Chaweewan Kachornprasart, wife of Mahachon Party leader Sanan, ran in the last Senate election.

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan
The Nation