People caught on the horns of a voting dilemma: Thai politics

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People caught on the horns of a voting dilemma
Kornchanok Raksaseri



BANGKOK: -- In the run-up to an election in normal circumstances people might ask their friends to go to vote or express their opinions on who - which political party or particular candidate - to vote for.

But this time, many have clearly announced they won't be voting or that they will cast "no vote".

Some have posted a message or graphic saying, "I'm too busy to vote on February 2", though it actualy means they are planning to boycott the poll

Several social media users have shared articles on what would happen if they don't vote for any candidate this time, cast a "no vote" or just abstain.

This reluctance comes because there are many factors for people to decide, especially when the anti-government camp says it is boycotting the election.

The People's Democratic Reform Committee is campaigning for a "National Picnic Day," with secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban calling for protesters to come out on the street.

Among people who support the February 2 election, social media users use the cartoon featuring 50-year-old business woman Picharinee Rattanachamnong, who held up a flashlight as she tried to wade through protesters who blockaded an election venue on advance voting day last Sunday.

This is a continuation from the pro-election group that used to campaign by lighting candles.

There are many versions of her cartoons. One has a message that says, "You have your whistle, I have my flashlight, that's all I need".

"Together, carry a flashlight and go ahead for the election, to shine a light for a country in the dark."

In the meantime, a "voting manual" created by www.ispacethailand.com has been circulated.

Among the six directions are:

1. Check out the routes to go to vote; 2. Prepare documents and the accessories "to disguise" yourself; 3. Dress in a way that is ready to face any situation; 4. Go to vote in groups, not alone; 5. Use mobile devices to check-in at the place; And 6. File a complaint with police if obstructed.

Although the protesters say it is an individual's right to decide whether to go to vote, supporters of the election also emphasised that voting is a duty for citizens and failure to do so without good reason would cost them penalties.

A link has been circulated to the Interior Ministry's Department of Provincial Administration website, where eligible voters can put in their identification number and check their voting record if they fail to vote in the latest election. It is http://eservice.dopa.go.th/Election/Elecenter/interenqabs/index.php.

Nevertheless, some people like Candy Ydnac had other ideas. She wrote on Facebook "Those who want to go to vote, just go. Those who don't want to go, just don't go. As easy as that."

Some people even wrote, "Don't tell me if you will go to vote. Decide for yourself."


-- The Nation 2014-02-01

[Red Snake]

I think people have two choices Sunday, exercise your right to vote or not to vote and let someone else makes the decisions for you

[thesetat2013]

I think people have two choices Sunday, exercise your right to vote or not to vote and let someone else makes the decisions for you

I would agree with you on this but i dont think its as easy as you are stating.

As it stands right now there are only 2 reasons to go vote that i can see and many reasons not to go. Its up to the individuals to decide which is the best. Those thinking to choose no vote may just stay home as to avoid the difficulties of getting to and into the polling stations. Those that do go may face violence or blockage of choosing.

Im told from an inside source in the gov that the gov workers were told to go vote even if choosing no vote so YL can use their vote as a sign that the people oppose Suthep. I dont believe this election is about democracy. I think no matter if you vote it dont vote the decision these people make tomorrow will be used by both the PTP and Suthep and will only further this conflict. I also cant see that this election will have any validity.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[celso]

The simple solution to all of this would have been to have a vote deciding whether to have a vote. An election on the election.

[worgeordie]

Horns of a dilemma,whether after taken the 500 bht, to vote or not.

regards Worgeordie

[noitom]

The key about democratic elections is that once you step behind the curtain or drop the folded vote in to the box no one knows who you voted for regardless of what you say.

[millwall_fan]

The stakes are high. The government needs people to vote. The opposition must paralyse voting. Many who dont support the government want to vote or they will be disenfranchised next time. Some are determined to keep polling stations open other s are determined to close them. And all this on the first weekend of the Six Nations, where the stakes are also high!

[IMA_FARANG]

I think people have two choices Sunday, exercise your right to vote or not to vote and let someone else makes the decisions for you

--------------------------------

If I were Thai (and I'm not) or I could vote(and I can't) I would do a "No Vote".

That is the most I could feel willing to do.

I would never vote for the current government.

It would be like watching a gang of thieves robbing people on the streets in broad daylight. and doing nothing to at least try to stop them.

As I said before on this forum on another topic.

I respect the right of those to vote if they wish to.

But I consider them fools to do it.

My opinion is that voting for this government of crooks and thieves makes you no better than them .... and a fool besides.

[Thai at Heart]

Will the army come out if it gets very violent?

[Scamper]

In a strange twist, Yingluck's odd facebook postings dating back to the very beginning of this drama - much derided at the time for their supreme disconnect from reality - have become in fact the embraced final refuge of Pheu Thai as the election itself becomes now a battle for the slogans that need to be so powerful - that they can cut through swaths of protesters, back-track the navigating shipping routes of ballots that never arrived, and encounter polling stations that are now discovered to have closed. But as this election enters the venue of history, it seems that only the slogans will have managed to survive.

[skills32]

Obviously there will be no vote buying this time so it will be interesting to see what the % of 'NO' vote will be.

[zydeco]

"4. Go to vote in groups, not alone;"

-----

Doesn't this violate the SOE?

[fxe1200]

Why vote?? Elections with vote buying, elections which have not changed anything over the last twenty years, except that the rich became more rich, great. Well, elections in Thailand had turned to be the minimalist democratic rite, why not ask Guanyin for help, or go to the Wat. The effect is the same.

[casualbiker]

Horns of a dilemma,whether after taken the 500 bht, to vote or not.

regards Worgeordie

according to reports. there has been NO or very little vote buying this time .. as the Phua Thai government have NO major opposition only coalition partners (possibly) in the vote.

[DrTuner]

I thought there were more than one party to choose your candidates from. Apparently not many have noticed there is a real chance to get new blood (no pun intended) into the picture.

[somchaismith]

What a frikken joke!

[Ulic]

If you don't vote you don't have the right to complain. Vote no if you are a democrat and have no candidates

to vote for.

[soalbundy]

Why vote?? Elections with vote buying, elections which have not changed anything over the last twenty years, except that the rich became more rich, great. Well, elections in Thailand had turned to be the minimalist democratic rite, why not ask Guanyin for help, or go to the Wat. The effect is the same.

Those are the views of my local chemist and his wife and three teachers at my sons school, i live in Issan. All five of these people told me that they hadn't voted in years.

[chainarong]

I think people have two choices Sunday, exercise your right to vote or not to vote and let someone else makes the decisions for you

--------------------------------

If I were Thai (and I'm not) or I could vote(and I can't) I would do a "No Vote".

That is the most I could feel willing to do.

I would never vote for the current government.

It would be like watching a gang of thieves robbing people on the streets in broad daylight. and doing nothing to at least try to stop them.

As I said before on this forum on another topic.

I respect the right of those to vote if they wish to.

But I consider them fools to do it.

My opinion is that voting for this government of crooks and thieves makes you no better than them .... and a fool besides.

very true my friend very true, the whole shebang is a farce , nothing will change as far as protests are concerned, that could go on for years

[Fryslan boppe]

"....many have clearly announced they won't be voting or that they will cast "no vote""

Perhaps many, but a decidedly electoral minority....At least they will be derpived of complaining about the results when they didn't participate.

No voting...no voice in Governance.

Not complicated.

Actually the electoral majority are not caught on the horns of a dilemma at all.....Why would they?...Those caught on the horns of a dilemma have only themselves and the BKK. coup-mongers to blame.

Edited February 1, 2014 by Fryslan boppe

[Jasun]

A collection of some of tomorrow's vote cards is going to make a great coffee table book.

[noodle]

 

I think people have two choices Sunday, exercise your right to vote or not to vote and let someone else makes the decisions for you

Anyone who votes in any election is giving away any say in the running of the country to some power hungry silver tongued buffoon (with very few exceptions).

If that is what you want to do then do it.

If not, why allow them the satisfaction of conning you?

[thesetat2013]

Actually i disagree with you. Vote buying has already been done especially in the north where it counts more in the lobg run. I dont think there is vote buying in Bkk or in the south because a few hundred baht means nothing to those people. Chump change!!!

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Cnxforever]

I think people have two choices Sunday, exercise your right to vote or not to vote and let someone else makes the decisions for you

I would agree with you on this but i dont think its as easy as you are stating.

As it stands right now there are only 2 reasons to go vote that i can see and many reasons not to go. Its up to the individuals to decide which is the best. Those thinking to choose no vote may just stay home as to avoid the difficulties of getting to and into the polling stations. Those that do go may face violence or blockage of choosing.

Im told from an inside source in the gov that the gov workers were told to go vote even if choosing no vote so YL can use their vote as a sign that the people oppose Suthep. I dont believe this election is about democracy. I think no matter if you vote it dont vote the decision these people make tomorrow will be used by both the PTP and Suthep and will only further this conflict. I also cant see that this election will have any validity.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

.......and yes it is about democracy and very much so - the majority of Thai people who have elected the previous government will not be ruled by some lunatics "peoples council" against their will.

Why should the election not have any validity? The opposite is the case - the EC had tried to trick the government into changing the election date.

Bangkok has only approx. 3 million voters and the South where the mop is obstructing the elections has a population of 8 million - there are almost 49 million voters in Thailand - I hope the other 38 million come out and vote today - and whoever they may vote for - it is their right and their decision - this gangster from the south has no right to take it from them!

I hope the moderate Thai people will teach these intimidating thugs a lesson today!

Then the country can move forward - the democratic way!

Anything else will bring nothing but chaos and destruction!

[millwall_fan]

Follow the news on MCOT TV. The old porn king (and former opposition MP) Chuwit Kamolvisit certainly knew he was going to vote. He arrived at his polling station with 20 or so 'helpers' and told the PDRC demonstrators they could either let him vote peacefully or ....not peacefully....as they wished. He then waded into the demonstrators all fists flying.....He voted..Chuwit is no friend of Thaksin - but no-one tells him what to do.

[Cnxforever]

Follow the news on MCOT TV. The old porn king (and former opposition MP) Chuwit Kamolvisit certainly knew he was going to vote. He arrived at his polling station with 20 or so 'helpers' and told the PDRC demonstrators they could either let him vote peacefully or ....not peacefully....as they wished. He then waded into the demonstrators all fists flying.....He voted..Chuwit is no friend of Thaksin - but no-one tells him what to do.

just seeing pictures of Chuvit being attacked by PDRC thugs trying to prevent him from voting - he is fighting himself together with his men - has one protester by the throat!!