Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Many express little faith in Thai politics

General News - Tuesday December 18, 2007

First-time voters eager to cast ballots

Many express little faith in Thai politics

PONGSATORN SINGNOY

First-time voters going to cast early ballots over the weekend said they were eager to take part even though many said say they have little faith in Thai politics.

One young voter likened politics to a soap opera full of villains and jealous characters.

Many who have just turned 18, the eligible voting age, said the Sept 19 coup triggered their interest in politics.

It made them more aware of their political rights under a democratic system; of their role in helping choose a new elected government.

Sarote Lertpan, 18, a student at Rajamangala University of Technology Bangkok campus, said his interest was aroused after a series of street protests against then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

''Now that I have the right to choose the new government, I'm kind of scared,'' he said before going to vote for the first time.

''We have no idea how the political situation will take shape after the polls.

''Political uncertainty may drag on as parties struggle to take a lead in the government's formation.

''Even worse, you-know-who may come back and spark a chain of political conflict once again.''

He encouraged people of his generation, especially first-time voters, to go to polling station on Dec 23.

''The one voice we each have is precious and can turn the political landscape around.

''If we view politics as something far-off and do not go to vote, we will have ourselves to blame if eventually we have to take to the streets again to protest against a bad government.

''As for me, I will accept whichever party is elected to run the country,'' he said.

His enthusiasm was shared by Jiranan Chumanee, 18, a freshman at the Thai Chamber of Commerce University's humanities school.

She said the political conflict had been prolonged and it was time for the new generation to participate and to vote.

''That's not just ticking a ballot, we must think hard whether the people we vote for have the credentials we need,'' she said.

Siripong Piamwaiprib, 18, a freshman at Bangkok University's business administration school, said he felt uneasy because the election was a by-product of the Sept 19 coup.

He likened the current face of politics to ''a soap opera full of villains and jealous characters''.

Poomwasant Lumoranarat, 18, a freshman at Dhurakij Pundit University's communication arts faculty, said he just hoped the general election would bring good things to the country.

''After the election, I hope the adults stop fighting and focus on how to run the country. Of course, that is up to whatever party gets elected,'' he said.

Wanwipha Gagjaturat, 18, a freshman at Thammasat's political science faculty, said she hoped the election would return the country to a democratic path.

Thai politics could not be much worse than it was at the moment, she said, adding that she expected there would soon be another general election because the new government would be shaky and probably not be around for long.

Phasinee Chaiyos, 18, a freshman at Chulalongkorn University's education faculty, said: ''I am glad that we will finally have an elected government. I am also excited to vote for the first time. And I hope the elections will jump-start the stalled economy.''

Bangkok Post

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