It's decision time for the country's electorate

General News - Thursday December 20, 2007

ANCHORMAN

It's decision time for the country's electorate

Though perhaps the electoral playing field could be a bit more refined in quality, you certainly cannot complain about the quantity of choices available.

M.L. NATTAKORN DEVAKULA

The moment of truth is here. Thailand is three days away from its first election under the new 2007 constitution.

Those of you who are undecided still have time to choose from the wide array of offerings.

If it's a sense that the parties on offer seem fractious and lacking in real direction, that was by intention.

Sometimes one should wonder why the turnout is expected to be high this time around. After all, people came out to the polls in large numbers in the past two or three elections and it seems that the powers-that-be never actually gave a hoot. Why should we even turn out again?

That is a very good question, I think, but in many ways under the systemic structure that is currently in place, there is no other option but to participate in the democratic "order" of the day.

Here are your choices, aside from the obviously small, insignificant parties out there.

The Democrat party: The oldest party in existence is conservative by nature and slow-moving by management-style. Its dedication to detail and anti-corruption investigations have been the image synonymous with the more outspoken members of the party.

Its leader is arguably the most well-groomed politician of the modern era. If that's not going to help carry enough weight to lead him to the premiership, perhaps his "People's Agenda" platform will.

People Power party: Thai Rak Thai Part II recollects the memories of Thaksin Shinawatra/Pansak Vinyaratn-originated populist policies. If you elect PPP, you are certain to see the rehashing and perpetual continuation of the dual-track economic policies. Further, its temperamental leader Samak Sundaravej is popular among the anti-Prem community in the kingdom. That may work to his advantage in particular niches of the anti-coup pockets. Yet the important question is whether he is too old and bitter to lead the executive branch.

Puea Pandin: Are they financed by former Council for National Security members or by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra spending out of London? Or are they sponsored by "old money" - and here I really do mean "old, old money" linked (pun intended) to a reclusive tycoon. Worse yet, is Puea Pandin really backed by liquor and automobile business tycoons?

You know what? I have no idea. There is no proof of any of these allegations. At the end of the day, however, this is the fastest rising alternative party out there, ready to align with both PPP and the Democrats, but more likely with the latter. That's enough that you need to know about this "green" party.

Chart Thai: This may be the last big round for Seu Terng. After this, former PM Banharn Silpa-archa has the finances to go around once or twice more in a fully-financed national campaign. Victory this time around - and that requires receiving at least 30 or 40 seats on Sunday - is key to his regaining of confidence that he can campaign effectively and lead the country.

The question ahead is whether he has been reading The Count of Monte Cristo or whether he has thrown in the towel to let young Abhisit Vejjajiva take the throne? The former would yield more exciting prospects for the next coalition.

Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana: Strong in Nakhon Ratchasima and strong in the academic and policy-related realms, this party of advisers neither has the muscle nor the attitude required to lead a coalition. They just lack size to power their way through this tough and competitive environment. What is sad about Thai democracy is that once in a while you have real commitment from some really smart and economically savvy folk, yet no one appreciates them.

This is a party of brains, but without the brawn it is unlikely that they will be a force to be reckoned with. This is a business where normally the good guys don't win. To be honest, if Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana receives the chance to form the cabinet, the country will be better off in terms of development policy for the future. This, however, is not going to happen.

Matchimathipataya: Prachai Leophairatana vs Somsak Thepsutin has been exciting, with the added spicy touch of Leena Jangjanya. Then, for Prachai, came the three-year prison sentence, the resignation-return-resignation, and the month-long contempt of court punishment he is supposed to be serving still. What's next? Certainly unpredictable, that is all I'll say. They will all soon go their separate ways. I simply don't want to offend any more people over there.

Pracharaj: It's time for Sanoh Thienthong to retire to his Sa Kaeo home and for esteemed big screen star Sombat Methanee to go home and raise his grandkids. Stick a fork in it.

Prachamati: Khun Pramual Rojanaseri seems like an experienced quality politician who commands respect. It's just that I don't know how to root for a party when I don't even know a single name of the candidates running behind the party leader. Unfortunately, no stars means no show.

Though perhaps the electoral playing field could be a bit more refined in quality, you certainly cannot complain about the quantity of choices available. If you are an expatriate having just arrived to the country or a Thai returning home from a long hiatus, welcome to our multi-party parliamentary democracy, whereby politicians are encouraged to remain subservient to uniform ethics, and parties are discouraged from turning themselves into indestructible institutions.

At least we have some remnants of reform; it's just that reforms normally come in the progressive fashion instead of the viciously cyclical kind.

You have three days before your 10 seconds of contribution to the formation of the next government.

The writer is a news analyst.

Bangkok Post