They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but I say, “Let’s judge candidates in the upcoming elections by their posters”. Their posters are their opportunity to make first impressions with the public and you can’t avoid them on our already hard-to-navigate sidewalks, anyway. Here are some of the most memorable posters in the upcoming election that I spotted on the street and online.
Paiboon Nititawan, leader of the People's Reform Party, proclaims he would adapt Buddha's teachings to solve problems that people face. Way to earn votes from devout Buddhists and alienate everyone else. Has he never heard of a little concept called 'separation of church and state'? Also, does this mean there would be no mia noi and every day will be a dry day since the kind of governance he champions would abide by the five precepts? Noble goal and, ultimately, fat chance.
Palang Thong Thin Thai Party proves a dose of creativity and cool effect can immediately catch people's attention. There are several superhero-inspired candidate posters from this small party being circulated online. You don't need a blockbuster budget to get big publicity if you're creative. They also go with the party's message of "Everyone can be hero" (or a contestant on Drag Race Thailand).
Thongbai Sertsorn, a candidate for Nonthaburi from the Action Coalition for Thailand Party, lists 'bringing a dog to the vet to be vaccinated against rabies' as his major past achievement. He accidentally sells himself short with that message as what he really does is leading a campaign to provide free rabies vaccines for cats and dogs. Nonetheless, he earns brownie points for holding the chubby bulldog and having a cartoon avatar on his poster.
One of many cool slogans by the Thai Raksa Chart Party reads: 'Think in new ways. Do in new ways. Dare to make a change.' Well, you gotta to give it to them for doing just that, given what transpired last week.
