Transgender Thai Politician Vows To Fight For Rights Of All

[webfact]

Transgender politician vows to fight for rights of all

TOSSAPORN WONGWAIKOLAYOOT

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Thai political history turned a new page on Sunday when a transgender candidate won a provincial election. The result became a media phenomenon that drew attention across the country, and spread across the world.

News outlets from Japan, Germany, Mexico, USA and the UK all published reports about the landmark result.

"Nan people voted for me, showing that Thai people respect human rights," Nok Yonlada - or Kirkkong Suanyos, as she is named on her ID card - the new Nan Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) member-elect, said in an enthusiastic interview with The Nation.

Nok got 3,808 votes, while her rival, Pawat Sattayawong, followed with 3,659 votes. The unexpected result made her the first transvestite to get elected in Thai political history.

However, her political pathway was no bed of roses. She worked very hard, as she is new to politics and ran as an independent against a former municipality member who got support from the chairman of the Nan Provincial Administrative Organisation. So, it's possible that being a fresh face was a reason she was elected, besides her policies.

"My policy was clear that PAO members have legislative power to balance the administrative branch against corruption, while the other candidate's campaign was only to support the administration," Nok said.

Nok is also president of the Trans Female Association of Thailand and a well-known activist for transgender and homosexual rights. She became well-known for her work starting the Sister's Hand Project which offers free surgery for Gender Identity Disorder patients.

However, being a transvestite became an issue which her rival verbally attacked Nok on, when she stepped up to compete in the poll. But it turned to her advantage, as people disliked the war of words.

"I can't deny what I am and I don't feel anything about being attacked. But when the result came, I appreciated the open-mindedness of Nan people," Nok said.

Asked if she had concerns about working with the 23 men elected in the other zones in Nan province, she denied it vigorously.

"I wouldn't let it enter my mind," she said, adding that she believed she could work with others who didn't vote for her, as she sought office with sincerity.

In her campaign projects, Nok focused on flooding problems, local tourism promotion and issues such as the Asean Economic Community, technology and others, but did not touch on homosexual rights, which she has fought for over many years. She said that was not necessary, as she will remain in her position as president of the Trans Female Association.

"Pushing the law for homosexual rights - I can do it in the name of the Trans Female Association. But for my political future, I want to push for laws on human rights, and I may run to be a member of Parliament.

"Human rights is not only about homosexuals, but also means patients, the elderly and racism. But all in all, I will decide later after the PAO member term ends," she said.

Nok had a sex change operation to become a woman at the age of 16 and was named Miss Alcazar in 2000. Besides her beauty, Nok has had a successful life. Aged 30, she runs jewellery and satellite-TV businesses and is a PhD candidate in social science at Ramkhamhaeng University.

She desires to serve the country and benefit society, adding in a joking tone that she doesn't have a husband and kids to take care of.

She is now waiting for Election Commission endorsement within 30 days, before entering the PAO. During this time, she has another delicate matter to consider.

"Personally, I want to wear a female official uniform, as I am already a woman, inside and outside - but this is not going to be easy, as the law does not guarantee transgender rights yet.

"I will have to talk to the administrators before the term starts, as I don't want this to be a big issue on my first day as a PAO member," Nok said.

-- The Nation 2012-05-30

[Thai at Heart]

No loog kreung politicians yet either

[supersombat]

I've noticed that too. Guess can't have any farang blood in Thai politics.

[richard_smith237]

I can see this as only being a good thing for Thailand.

Those around her have the opportunity to avoid petty gender issues and instead concentrate on the tasks at hand and show that their country comes first.

I particularly respect the way in which she is not playing the gender card and is instead fighting for human rights in general.

She is perhaps not only a roll model for the transgendered numbers, but also a roll model for anyone aspiring to serve their country in a positive manner.

Good luck to her.

[Yunla]

I think she is very brave to follow her ambitions in politics against a backdrop of institutional transphobia in this nation re: recognition of transgender status including titles & equality etc. Transgender people in the west have so much legal protection compared to transgender people here. It is good to see the tide turning slowly and the TG equality movement mobilising in Thailand. I salute her courage & wish her the best of luck for the future.

[animatic]

"...a PhD candidate in social science at Ramkhamhaeng University..."

Beautiful, focused, successful and very smart too.

Good to get someone like this in government,

rather than the 3rd string children and idiot brothers

all warming seats for banned relatives in so many regional and national seats.

Brava, nee bravo! = just plain BRAVE!

[Payboy]

Aged 30, she runs jewellery and satellite-TV businesses and is a PhD candidate in social science at Ramkhamhaeng University.

She must be nuts to get involved in politics.

[ratcatcher]

No loog kreung politicians yet either

Not likely to be either, most of the LK pretty boys are working on Thai soaps fighting with their hi-so wives/GFs, beating up their lo-so maids or dressing up as police officers. Probably better money too.

[billd766]

No loog kreung politicians yet either

Not likely to be either, most of the LK pretty boys are working on Thai soaps fighting with their hi-so wives/GFs, beating up their lo-so maids or dressing up as police officers. Probably better money too.

And much less stress.

[otherstuff1957]

No loog kreung politicians yet either

Jon Umpakorn (sp?) is a Senator. He is half English and half Thai.

[Gillespie]

No loog kreung politicians yet either

Jon Umpakorn (sp?) is a Senator. He is half English and half Thai.

And Mechai "Mr Condom" Viravaidya was a Senator and a Cabinet minister. His mother was Scottish.

[otherstuff1957]

Oops... I should have said was. I just looked it up and he was a senator a few years ago, but is not now.

[Jingthing]

Great news! Gay rights are human rights, and transgenders fall under the umbrella of the international gay/human rights movement promoted by U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Thailand moving forward. Bravo!

[JohnAllan]

Probably the first transvestite to be elected in any political history!

[Jingthing]

Probably the first transvestite to be elected in any political history!

Nope. Not true.

http://www.pinknews....wins-in-hawaii/

But please use the accurate term, transgender. Not talking here about transvestites. Totally different!

Edited May 30, 2012 by Maestro
Deleted off-topic video.

[ginjag]

If this newly elected person is focussed on the task of trying to rid Thailand of much corruption GOOD. It doesn't matter if she has 3 feet or 4 arms, her status is whatever it is, she should be congratulated for her courage and fight, it must be better than the lame dog sick pig people in other high positions that are idle bar stewards.

[DrTuner]

For me there are heteros and others. I've found heteros to drive the matters in politics I care for, the others driving mostly their genderbender agenda which I don't care for. So when I've had the opportunity to vote, I've usually picked a straight one, because of the issues they drive (economics, foreign politics and so on). From a quick glance at what's been posted on TV it looks like this katoy is a one trick pony as well.

Here I can't vote, so might as well enjoy the cabaree.

[Jingthing]

For me there are heteros and others. I've found heteros to drive the matters in politics I care for, the others driving mostly their genderbender agenda which I don't care for. So when I've had the opportunity to vote, I've usually picked a straight one, because of the issues they drive (economics, foreign politics and so on). From a quick glance at what's been posted on TV it looks like this katoy is a one trick pony as well.

Here I can't vote, so might as well enjoy the cabaree.

That's kind of silly. What tiny percentage of candidates globally or even in advanced countries are openly gay or transgender? A ridiculously tiny percentage obviously. So you're choosing among hetero candidates pretty much every time. You've painted an image of politics that simply doesn't exist, except VERY rarely. Edited May 30, 2012 by Jingthing

[DrTuner]

That's kind of silly. What tiny percentage of candidates globally or even in advanced countries are openly gay or transgender? A ridiculously tiny percentage obviously. So you're choosing among hetero candidates pretty much every time. You've painted an image of politics that simply doesn't exist, except VERY rarely.

Well, the percentage that makes loads of noise. Could be tiny, but one was just a presidential candidate in the final race in my country of origin. I voted the other one, but that was because he's an ex-banker with some grip of reality, the other one was just riding gay-hype.

[Jingthing]

That's kind of silly. What tiny percentage of candidates globally or even in advanced countries are openly gay or transgender? A ridiculously tiny percentage obviously. So you're choosing among hetero candidates pretty much every time. You've painted an image of politics that simply doesn't exist, except VERY rarely.

Well, the percentage that makes loads of noise. Could be tiny, but one was just a presidential candidate in the final race in my country of origin. I voted the other one, but that was because he's an ex-banker with some grip of reality, the other one was just riding gay-hype.

So now you're talking about candidates who take positions on gay civil rights issues rather than actually open gay or transgender candidates. Nice that we're clear about that. Why didn't you say that in the first place?!? Vote for anyone you like! There is of course a lesbian head of state now, in Iceland. First in world history. Terribly RARE, indeed. Edited May 30, 2012 by Jingthing

[DrTuner]

So now you're talking about candidates who take positions on gay civil rights issues rather than actually open gay or transgender candidates. Nice that we're clear about that. Why didn't you say that in the first place?!?

I tried to, I don't care gay or not, just the agenda matters The presidential candidate was openly gay, though, google Pekka Haavisto if you're interested.

It just happens that many of the candidates driving gay rights tend to be gay and heavily concentrate on gay rights only, leaving other issues partly or completely unaddressed. But it does still bring loads of publicity, which turns into votes in the booths, sometimes at the cost of other political issues being put in the background or even ignored in the heat of the hype. There have always been celebrities, one hit wonders and what have you in politics, I prefer to select my candidates for other reasons. For all I know I might've voted gays who just didn't make a lot of noise of it, I really don't care. Hell, I'd vote for a one handed gay dwarf with a mean attitude if the interests matched.

[Jingthing]

Every candidate is a package which includes their identity, their political positions, their record, etc. Every candidate doesn't have to have a package.

[Maestro]

I have deleted some off-topic and nonsensical posts and the replies to them. Please let us keep this thread on topic.

[animatic]

Every candidate is a package which includes their identity, their political positions, their record, etc. Every candidate doesn't have to have a package.

ooooooooooohhhhhhhh DUDE!

[davidstipek]

I have deleted some off-topic and nonsensical posts and the replies to them. Please let us keep this thread on topic.

Majestro..

Thank you for cleaning up the S--T! I know that the process, it is not a random thing done on a Whim. No I am included in this topic. Doctor's make sure the mental state as well as the Physical are balanced to the change, along with family. Some times takes years to get to the Stage Before anything is even started. Enough said!!

I believe we may have just seen the introduction to Thai Politic's that will Refreshen and Enlighten the Stage. Best Wishes and may your Journey be Fruitful! Hopefully your presence will teach that we don't need Corruption anywhere! Human Rights need a watchdog! Maybe "She is just what.... The Doctor Ordered"

David

Edited May 30, 2012 by davidstipek

[bigbamboo]

I've noticed that too. Guess can't have any farang blood in Thai politics.

No, farang blood is only welcome in adverts.

[bobbysan124]

She's obviously well-educated, successful and concerned. Hopefully, she can effect some good things during her tenure. Good luck to her.

[animatic]

I've noticed that too. Guess can't have any farang blood in Thai politics.

No, farang blood is only welcome in adverts.

Plus TV stars, pop acts and children of wives who hold the land titles.