Big names enter by-election race

Experts predict tough fight for PPRP

Rival parties are fielding well-known politicians to give the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) a run for its money in a Bangkok by-election in a constituency previously held by the PPRP.

On the first day of candidate registration for the Jan 30 poll in Constituency 9 yesterday, seven candidates turned up at the Laksi district office to register and draw a ballot paper number. The constituency covers Laksi and part of Chatuchak districts.

Surachart Thienthong, a former MP, was there to represent the opposition Pheu Thai Party, while Move Forward fielded actor Karoonpon “Petch” Tieansuwan.

Atavit Suwannapakdee registered for what will be a popularity test for the new Kla Party, of which he is secretary-general, and former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij the leader. Mr Atavit is a former MP for Laksi and Chatuchak districts.

They are all up against Saralrasmi Jenjaka, who will defend the seat for the PPRP. The seat was formerly held by her husband Sira.

“I am 100% confident [of winning],” Ms Saralrasmi said.

Critics say the PPRP might have a hard time winning this time, given the high profiles of the other candidates.

Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat said he believes voters would lend their support to Mr Karoonpon because he showed during campaigning that he understands what people in the districts need, even though he lacks political experience.

Mr Atavit said earlier he was confident of victory, despite having only a short time to canvass for support.

Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew, who turned up to show support for Mr Surachart yesterday, said Mr Surachart would win and Pheu Thai would restore the “dignity” of voters in the constituency. He did not elaborate.

The Democrat Party, a member of the coalition, decided not to contest the by-election, as a courtesy to the PPRP.

The Election Commission (EC) says candidate registration for the poll will end on Monday.

The by-election is to fill a vacancy left by the PPRP’s Sira Jenjaka, who was disqualified last month by the Constitutional Court for having been convicted of fraud by the Pathumwan District Court in 1995 and sentenced to eight months in jail.

The EC said the law requires parties fielding candidates to be operating a branch or have a representative in Bangkok.

The EC has also capped campaign spending at 1.5 million baht for each candidate, which is calculated from the day the seat became vacant on Dec 22 up to Jan 30.

All candidates must declare their election spending within 90 days of the by-election being held.