Former Tennis Star Paradorn Set To Enter Thai Politics

[webfact]

Paradorn set to enter politics

By The Nation

Former tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan looks set for a major career change - he's about to enter the upcoming election, reportedly for the Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party.

Previously known as "Super Ball" due to his success in professional tennis, the 31-year-old is due to give a press conference today about his new path.

Accompanying him will be Suwat Liptapanlop, the de facto leader of Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party and president of the Lawn Tennis Associa-tion of Thailand, and ex-wife Natalie Glebova, the 2005 Miss Universe.

Paradorn, the first Asian to crack a world top 10 tennis ranking, revealed his interest in politics on Congratulations Day at Ramkhamhaeng University in February. A political science graduate and winner of five professional championships, he said in a recent interview with Thai Rath he had been following political developments for some time.

"I'm not 100 per cent into politics, but I have been following news just like other people. It's normal to catch up with what's going on in our country,'' said Paradorn who has officially retired from pro tennis. He has not been active on the circuit since March 2007 due to a serious wrist injury.

In later years he has still managed to make headlines. He joined the motorbike circuit, which led to several accidents, ran a restaurant and sold diet supplements for men.

When he announced the break-up with his Canadian wife (after keeping it a secret for more than a year), it seemed that might be his "last hurrah".

Today's press conference will gain strong media attention - but unlike the past, when only sports and entertainment correspondents showed up, this time those from political desks will be there too.

-- The Nation 2011-04-11

[Buchholz]

and sold diet supplements for men.

nice slant for wannabe-Viagra...

Thai Tennis Star Launches New Herbal Viagra

No mention of a new political career during the interview conducted less than 6 weeks ago.

When did he decide to try out public service as his last "last hurrah"? Yesterday?

Clownish interview... with absurd questions.

Edited April 11, 2011 by Buchholz

[Payboy]

Celebrity Divorce - NotTheNation sums it all up nicely here

[thequietman]

anything is better than the rabble thailand has now.

new balls please.

[Junglejumbo]

They just want his money.

[powderpuff]

He likes super sport motorcycles. Hopefully he won't eat some pavement before running for office.

[Bagwan]

Celebrity Divorce - NotTheNation sums it all up nicely here

What a non-event. Did Jerry Springer turn them down?

Not surprised that he retired with a wrist injury. I can make a guess as to what the cause of it was.

[SomTumTiger]

I am sure he will be as effective in politics as he was on the tennis court - opps lol.

[Payboy]

I am sure he will be as effective in politics as he was on the tennis court - opps lol.

You mean every time he loses an election he'll claim a prior injury, stomach upset or jet-lag?

Nothing to do with the opponent being better at the game.

[Oberkommando]

A jack of all trades and a master of none.

[Payboy]

Celebrity Divorce - NotTheNation sums it all up nicely here

What a non-event. Did Jerry Springer turn them down?

Not surprised that he retired with a wrist injury. I can make a guess as to what the cause of it was.

Don't really know, but it likely wasn't from lifting anything heavy.

[bonobo]

I met him once, and while he seems fairly intelligent and capable, he wasn't coming across as being too personable, something politicians need. But if Manny Pacquiao can get elected in the Philippines despite his many, shall we say, non-politician-like characteristics, well, I guess Paradorn can get elected here.

[RickBradford]

He'll do fine if he can remember to keep backhanders rather than return them.

[bangon04]

A jack of all trades and a master of none.

"In later years he has still managed to make headlines. He joined the motorbike circuit, which led to several accidents, ran a restaurant and sold diet supplements for men."

Sounds like he has the perfect CV for a politician - including impressive "connections".

[geriatrickid]

The diet supplement decision was a worrisome indication of poor judgement and a lack of business ethics.

If this is what he does outside of the government, just consider the implications once other more lucrative ventures present themselves.

He should just go work as a celebrity spokesperson at some gogo club.

[SteeleJoe]

He'll do fine if he can remember to keep backhanders rather than return them.

Nicely done.

[Atmos]

Good luck to him - I'll never get to vote for him or any politician in this country, and at a guess I'd say there are far worse options

And re his tennis - many a player would be happy to have been ranked #9

[bonobo]

And re his tennis - many a player would be happy to have been ranked #9

True that.

[tragickingdom]

Paradorn thinks business. Promoting the sport of graft is indeed a common objective in Thai politics. He entered just a few weeks late to take his first prize money, the aid that was meant for the deep South was already shared between his and Suthep's party members, just like it was in izan.

[bristolgeoff]

he is looking for a easy earner now .seeing how long he will last is up the public

[Bagwan]

I met him once, and while he seems fairly intelligent and capable, he wasn't coming across as being too personable, something politicians need. But if Manny Pacquiao can get elected in the Philippines despite his many, shall we say, non-politician-like characteristics, well, I guess Paradorn can get elected here.

David Beckham to stand for Parliament? Mike Tyson for the Senate? Doesn't work for me. Mind you, transport in the other direction has its appeal. La Clinton going 15 rounds with whichever Russian is the current heavyweight champion would put bums on seats.

With Manny in attendance they wouldn't be too many punch ups in the P.I. legislature would there?

[rubl]

From the OP:

Former tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan looks set for a major career change - he's about to enter the upcoming election, reportedly for the Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party.

If k. Paradorn joins a political party today, won't he already be too late to qualify for standing as candidate in the June/July elections? What's the minimum time you have to be a member of a political party to be able to stand?

[gregb]

I think it is best to withhold judgement on this until we see what his political leaning really are. Too many people voted for Thaksin just because he was not the typical Thai politician. We see how that turned out. He was much, much worse, and many wound up regretting that knee jerk reaction.

Paradorn could be a good fit for a political office. He has name recognition and respect. He could go far, but it very much depends on how he decides to conduct himself. If the US can elect Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jessie Ventura to office, the clearly a tennis pro in Thailand is not so far out of line.

Interesting development. New blood is definitely the prescription for Thai politics. The questions is whether or not Paradorn has the right type.

[Oberkommando]

I think it is best to withhold judgement on this until we see what his political leaning really are. Too many people voted for Thaksin just because he was not the typical Thai politician. We see how that turned out. He was much, much worse, and many wound up regretting that knee jerk reaction.

In your opinion.

Many Thais also want him back at the helm, given the debacle of the last few years.

In what sense was he worse anyway? The first elected PM to serve a full term and the first PM to be re-elected. It was the first period of relative political stability in 50+ years until the military interfered again.

[gregb]

I think it is best to withhold judgement on this until we see what his political leaning really are. Too many people voted for Thaksin just because he was not the typical Thai politician. We see how that turned out. He was much, much worse, and many wound up regretting that knee jerk reaction.

In your opinion.

Many Thais also want him back at the helm, given the debacle of the last few years.

In what sense was he worse anyway? The first elected PM to serve a full term and the first PM to be re-elected. It was the first period of relative political stability in 50+ years until the military interfered again.

I worked in the telecom industry. Need I say more? The man is a cretinous scumbag, and I've met every kind snake with no concern for anyone else. Many people such as yourself say "he was no worse than the others." You simply display your ignorance with statements like that.

Thaksin is the single worst thing to ever poison this great country. His removal was a public service. The only problem with Thaksin now is that he is still breathing. You should really try doing business with that plague on humanity before trying to pass it off that he has any redeeming qualities. The only people who say that are those that are either on his doll and want his dosh or are otherwise too ignorant or too lazy to learn the truth.

Yes, Thaksin was much, much worse. If you wish to say it is my opinion, that is your prerogative, but mine is a very knowledgeable opinion.

[fxe1200]

A jack of all trades and a master of none.

...then politics is the right choice. I would do too, but nobody ask me.

[Arkady]

Paradon doesn't seem that bright. Therefore Thai politics would appear to be the perfect career choice for him.

After Natalie he may go for the panda in Chiang Mai instead. She has a lasting celebrity and "naa rakness" combined with a very low sex drive which will mean that she won't get jealous when other pandas are seen going around town in his ferrari.

Edited April 11, 2011 by Arkady

[dunkin2012]

Chat Pattana Pau Pan Din Party.........J*rk Off..............

[jdinasia]

I seem to remember (reread that clause please) after the boxing day tsunami Paradon stepped up and donated ------ a rather tiny amount relatively speaking. After it "got out" to the press that he had only donated 20k, I think he upped his donation.

[tomyummer]

I seem to remember (reread that clause please) after the boxing day tsunami Paradon stepped up and donated ------ a rather tiny amount relatively speaking. After it "got out" to the press that he had only donated 20k, I think he upped his donation.

I believe it was originally 10k. Then upped to 100k then 1 mb. Can't blame him though. He was saving up for his 30 mb Lamborghini.

Can't wait till he starts trying to balance a budget or shell out for government projects. Hoo-ah!