Vandals attack campaign posters for Phuket’s sole election candidate

PHUKET: Seven promotional posters in Koh Kaew and Sapam supporting Jirayus Songyos, the Phuket Pheu Thai candidate for Voting District 2, were found damaged by suspected vandals yesterday morning.

“We cannot confirm who damaged the signs,” Mr Jirayus’ secretary, Vithiwat Kulsiriitthikorn, told the Phuket Gazette.

“The signs we put up in front of Wat Sapam temple and the entrance of the Dalaburi Villa were damaged on Monday night. Some of them had been cut along Mr Jirayus’ face and others were completely destroyed.”

About 300 posters were set up in Thalang, Kathu, Rassada and Koh Kaew on Monday, explained Mr Vithiwat.

“While the team was working in Baan Manik, protesters approached them, saying they did not want to see election posters in that area.”

“Our lawyer filed a complaint with the Phuket City Police. We have also asked nearby shop owners for their cooperation in identifying the suspects as some of them might have CCTV footage.”

Police have started to collect evidence and Mr Jirayus’ team has replaced the damaged signs, noted Mr Vithiwat.

Mr Jirayus is the only candidate registered for District 2, after braving a hundreds-strong protest in front of Community Hall in Phuket Town on December 29 (story here).

— Kritsada Mueanhawong