Police rally against vote selling in Phuket

PHUKET: Phuket police today held their second rally to encourage people to vote for the candidates they support and not to “sell” their votes to canvassers who come knocking at their doors in the run-up to the July 3 general election.

Carrying banners and walking to music played by school marching bands, the crowd paraded south from a market on Thepkrasattri Road in Baan Nipon before turning east at the Heroines’ Monument and stopping at the field in front of the National Museum on the southeast corner of the intersection.

Among the hundreds taking part were police officers from Tah Chat Chai, Cherng Talay and Thalang, as well as Thalang school students and representatives of local businesses such as Tesco Lotus.

Echoing his speech at a rally in Patong last Thursday, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pekad Tantipong encouraged the crowd to use their power to vote wisely and not to sell their rights.

He ended his speech by leading the crowd in a chant that concluded with, “To elect good and quality government representatives from today onward!”

“We are here with 163 students today from Mor 4 to Mor 6 (16 to 18 years old). Baan Bang Tao School and schools from Cherng Talay have also come. There are also members of the OrBorTor [Tambon Administration Organization] and police here,” Jilana Nukwamlang, a teacher at Muang Thalang School, told the Phuket Gazette.

Although Ms Jilana preferred not to reveal who she would vote for, she was adamant about exercising her rights.

“Of course I will vote, I am Thai and I must vote. I will choose the most suitable candidate,” Ms Jilana said.

— Michael DesPortes