Election? It's A Tough Call

[Lite Beer]

Election? It's a tough call

By The Nation

If there's one thing these prominent citizens agree on, it's that the next government has to try harder

Have you made up your mind for tomorrow's election? Have you made a choice based on your own career or personal interests? We've asked people in various "lifestyle" trades about their selection process and their expectations.

Tassapon Bijleveld

Thai AirAsia chief executive

I give priority to party policy. What can the party, for example, really do to move Thailand ahead?

Two things the airline and tourism industries need from the government are political stability and a stronger commitment to tourism. I don't want to see another short-lived government because it can't do much for the country.

Thailand, with its graceful culture and natural beauty, should be getting much more tourist money. Unfortunately, the government hasn't enhanced tourism into its maximum. The next government had better show stronger commitment and an action plan to help the tourism industry achieve its potential.

Suthaorn "Sign" Angkavanich

Rokz magazine editor-in-chief and singer with rock band 8th Floor

Choosing a party and MP depends first on policies that will benefit the country. I won't choose any politician who just makes accusations about his rivals. I was politicians whose turn their promises into reality. I don't care whether the politicians can compromise or not, but they have to be serious about the economy.

Pattratip Pongpanit

YogaSutra Studio managing director

My priority is not the MP candidate but the party, and more importantly its leader. The party leader must be someone I totally trust - someone who'll put the country ahead of personal interests. I won't compromise: I will vote for a person who doesn't cheat at all.

The policies must be realistic, not policies that insult people, like leaving them heavily dependent on the government.

I'd love to see serious support for education. Our "free education" isn't really free - some people can't afford quality education - but education is the key to reducing the gaps in society.

Denis Hemakom

Q Bar Bangkok general manager

There are so many MPs with seemingly no qualifications other than cash or family influence, so I'll be voting based more on the party, on which leader can stand on an international stage without embarrassing us, and on a realistic policy platforms.

I don't expect much from any government these days since so few seem interested in actually governing. One thing that would be nice is a Cabinet full of people qualified to lead their respective ministries.

I'd like to see all these veteran "political advisers" finally realise how old they are and step aside so a new generation can actually effect change. By now they should all have enough cash in their pockets to last them forever.

Bhanu Inkawat

Greyhound creative director

My ideal minister is honest and not corrupt, first of all. Second, they must be a specialist in the field for which they're responsible, with genuine knowledge and understanding of the roots of the problems. They have to be able to implement a strategy to solve the situation effectively - and also understand what other countries are up to.

The new government should know the exact situation in our country and then find the right direction, not run around without a strategy.

As far as the fashion industry is concerned, I hope the government will focus more on local brand-name development. This is about the country's image, and it's a showcase for Thai originality. The benefits go not just to our industry but also the travel industry. We need more emphasis on the "creative economy".

Songyos Sukmakanan

Thai Film Director Association president

I haven't yet decided which party I'll vote for because every politician and party is the same once they're elected. When I was young I was excited and enthusiastic about elections, but after seeing so many governments, I don't expect anything from them anymore.

I don't expect the next government to do anything special for the film industry. I hope to see a prime minister who's a strong, confident leader who will dare to make decisions that are good for the country.

My saddest experience with a Cabinet minister was when one said something like, "Don't expect anything from me because I just come and go." I hope politicians will have the strong will to develop the country.

Vuthithorn "Woody" Milintachinda

TV talk-show host

The criteria I use to choose a party and MP have to do with track records. I firmly believe you can predict the future by looking back into history. The party or MP who's had the least negative effect wins my vote.

I expect the next government to settle the telecommunications and broadcasting problems once and for all. It's been ages since anything concrete was achieved. I think Thais deserve a world-class, high-speed communicating platform for once. We need to move ahead - now.

Nat Myria Benedetti

Star of "Tawiphob: The Musical"

I'll be voting in the morning before I head to the theatre for Sunday's two shows. I still don't know which party I'll choose. They've all presented policies that will benefit the country.

I expect the next government to reunite the country. If we keep having conflicts and violence it will affect the economy, scaring off foreign investors and hurting all Thais.

Kittisak "Aey" Buapan

Singer of the rock band Ebola

I've considered several politicians who might be the right ones to serve the people and I already have someone in mind. Our vote is essential in getting good guys into Parliament to solve our problems. All Thais want peace and order, with no more dividing into colours.

Neighbouring countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and even China are further developed. China now has high-speed railways. Thailand can do it.

I'd also like more poor Thais' lives improved.

Parani Chitrakorn

Certified wine educator

I personally know the candidate in my constituency, so making up my mind about who to vote for was easy for me. If I didn't know the candidate, I'd try to learn his background information and his party's policy.

The most important things I consider are the candidate's ethics, education and past performance, even if it's just in the election campaign. If the candidate is a newcomer, I looking for honesty and potential to deliver fresh ideas. As new blood, they can't let the system suck them in.

As to my expectations for government policy, as a wine educator, I would like to see rational import duty and taxation. With 380-per-cent import duty and taxes, Thais miss out on a lot of things in the world of wine.

In general I'd like to see good governance and better positioning for our country in the short and long term. Look at South Korea and Vietnam.

Chutima "Candy" Avery

Model- actress

I can't vote this time because of job commitments, but I'd like the next government with the right people, because the economy has been poor a long time. I would like the country to develop quicker. Most importantly, I'd like politicians to be more sincere.

-- The Nation 2011-07-02

[TAWP]

Well, PT for sure isnt't getting a majority of these individuals votes...

[hyperdimension]

They are all from the hospitality, entertainment and creative arts industries.

If instead poor rural folk were asked, I think we'd be hearing some silly answers.

[rreddin]

They are all from the hospitality, entertainment and creative arts industries.

If instead poor rural folk were asked, I think we'd be hearing some silly answers.

Instead, we got a silly answer from you.

[aaacorp]

They are all from the hospitality, entertainment and creative arts industries.

If instead poor rural folk were asked, I think we'd be hearing some silly answers.

Instead, we got a silly answer from you.

Best answer for such silly comment

[Misterwhisper]

What an enchanting, oh so very representative line-up of respondents.

[aaacorp]

From Reuters :Thai people will be forbiddent to use twitter and social netoworks from tonight till tomorrow night and speak about politic , fine may be of 10,000thb a 6 months of jail.....thank you Abhisit government

[whybother]

From Reuters :Thai people will be forbiddent to use twitter and social netoworks from tonight till tomorrow night and speak about politic , fine may be of 10,000thb a 6 months of jail.....thank you Abhisit government

That's the Election Commission that does that, according to Thai laws.

[aaacorp]

From Reuters :Thai people will be forbiddent to use twitter and social netoworks from tonight till tomorrow night and speak about politic , fine may be of 10,000thb a 6 months of jail.....thank you Abhisit government

That's the Election Commission that does that, according to Thai laws.

Which is apppointed by who?

[chainarong]

Who Care's , what ye sow so ye shall reap, Good luck Thailand , I have a sense of foreboding for the future of this country, guess we will all know by tomorrow.

[whybother]

From Reuters :Thai people will be forbiddent to use twitter and social netoworks from tonight till tomorrow night and speak about politic , fine may be of 10,000thb a 6 months of jail.....thank you Abhisit government

That's the Election Commission that does that, according to Thai laws.

Which is apppointed by who?

Not by the Abhisit government.

[SomTumTiger]

From Reuters :Thai people will be forbiddent to use twitter and social netoworks from tonight till tomorrow night and speak about politic , fine may be of 10,000thb a 6 months of jail.....thank you Abhisit government

Not "people" , but "politicians running for office" . But thanks for the misinformation.

[animatic]

Quite the nostril moustache this artist gave Yingluck....

[TAWP]

From Reuters :Thai people will be forbiddent to use twitter and social netoworks from tonight till tomorrow night and speak about politic , fine may be of 10,000thb a 6 months of jail.....thank you Abhisit government

Doesn't it hurt to be so misinformed?

But atleast it explains your political preference.

Edited July 3, 2011 by TAWP

[bino]

Quite the nostril moustache this artist gave Yingluck....

Noticed that too.. pretty funny! Gave Abhisit the pronounced set of crow's feet that he has earned over the last two years also. I think the rendition of Chuwit is best!

What do you make of the mirror on top of the ballot box? Keep away evil spirits? Thai ppl should look at themselves before they vote?

[wintermute]

Interesting people to poll for their opinions..let's see..the farang GM of a bar-cum-brothel (Q-bar) on sukhumvit, a wine snob with probably rich parents, and a collection of individuals involved in the media who have little to nothing in common with the larger thai society.

Edited July 3, 2011 by wintermute

[TAWP]

Interesting people to poll for their opinions..let's see..the farang GM of a bar-cum-brothel (Q-bar) on sukhumvit, a wine snob with probably rich parents, and a collection of individuals involved in the media who have little to nothing in common with the larger thai society.

Andy Spooner, is that you?

[animatic]

Quite the nostril moustache this artist gave Yingluck....

Noticed that too.. pretty funny! Gave Abhisit the pronounced set of crow's feet that he has earned over the last two years also. I think the rendition of Chuwit is best!

What do you make of the mirror on top of the ballot box? Keep away evil spirits? Thai ppl should look at themselves before they vote?

I think that is to prevent double ballot stuffing,.

[bangkokrick]

PT will get the most votes and then be banned for Thaksin's alleged illegal involvement. The Democrats will retain power and all without a military coup. My opinion for what it's worth.

[lannarebirth]

PT will get the most votes and then be banned for Thaksin's alleged illegal involvement. The Democrats will retain power and all without a military coup. My opinion for what it's worth.

If PTP can form a coalition and amnesty rears its head, that seems likely, and/or Yingluck's alleged perjury. Assuming none the major parties get tarnished with election fraud first.

[noahvail]

PT will get the most votes and then be banned for Thaksin's alleged illegal involvement. The Democrats will retain power and all without a military coup. My opinion for what it's worth.

If PTP can form a coalition and amnesty rears its head, that seems likely, and/or Yingluck's alleged perjury. Assuming none the major parties get tarnished with election fraud first.

Since K Yingluck will be an MP (number one on the party list), will she not enjoy parliamentary immunity against the perjury charge until she is no longer an MP?

[lannarebirth]

PT will get the most votes and then be banned for Thaksin's alleged illegal involvement. The Democrats will retain power and all without a military coup. My opinion for what it's worth.

If PTP can form a coalition and amnesty rears its head, that seems likely, and/or Yingluck's alleged perjury. Assuming none the major parties get tarnished with election fraud first.

Since K Yingluck will be an MP (number one on the party list), will she not enjoy parliamentary immunity against the perjury charge until she is no longer an MP?

I do not know.

[bangkokrick]

PT will get the most votes and then be banned for Thaksin's alleged illegal involvement. The Democrats will retain power and all without a military coup. My opinion for what it's worth.

If PTP can form a coalition and amnesty rears its head, that seems likely, and/or Yingluck's alleged perjury. Assuming none the major parties get tarnished with election fraud first.

There is nothing straight forward in Thai politics is there? Just the usual 'bobbing and weaving' which usually turns out a a none result.

[whybother]

Since K Yingluck will be an MP (number one on the party list), will she not enjoy parliamentary immunity against the perjury charge until she is no longer an MP?

I think it's only while they are in session.

And I don't think it will stop her from being found guilty, it just means she doesn't have to spend any time in jail before she's found guilty (not that she will be in jail for a perjury charge).

Edited July 3, 2011 by whybother

[noahvail]

Since K Yingluck will be an MP (number one on the party list), will she not enjoy parliamentary immunity against the perjury charge until she is no longer an MP?

I think it's only while they are in session.

And I don't think it will stop her from being found guilty, it just means she doesn't have to spend any time in jail before she's found guilty (not that she will be in jail for a perjury charge).

Ok, interesting. Thanks for that.

[farang000999]

PT will get the most votes and then be banned for Thaksin's alleged illegal involvement. The Democrats will retain power and all without a military coup. My opinion for what it's worth.

why even have elections then?

[whybother]

PT will get the most votes and then be banned for Thaksin's alleged illegal involvement. The Democrats will retain power and all without a military coup. My opinion for what it's worth.

why even have elections then?

The idea is to campaign without breaking the laws. It seems that it's difficult to do in Thailand.

[bangkokrick]

Since K Yingluck will be an MP (number one on the party list), will she not enjoy parliamentary immunity against the perjury charge until she is no longer an MP?

I think it's only while they are in session.

And I don't think it will stop her from being found guilty, it just means she doesn't have to spend any time in jail before she's found guilty (not that she will be in jail for a perjury charge).

The Thaksin family seem to be pretty much immune to jail terms.

[whybother]

The Thaksin family seem to be pretty much immune to jail terms.

If they don't appeal, they run away.

[bangkokrick]

My point exactly. Except of course for his wife who did return, but did not face the music?