Find charities and donations for Thailand's 2011 floods here.

CHILDREN

Children are our future. But meanwhile, we’re responsible for their future. So do your bit to make sure they get to enjoy some basic rights like education, food and shelter thanks to these notable organizations.

Foundation for the Better Life of Children

Who they help: Underprivileged children.
How they help: They house children and accept donations such as food, stationary and toys, as well as more essential everyday items like clothes, shoes and toothbrushes.  
How can you get involved: Donate any of these items.
100/475 Chaeng Wattana Soi 10, Laksi. 02-574-1381, 02-574-3753, 02-574-6162. www.fblcthai.org

Phayathai Babies’ Home

Who they help: Orphaned babies.
How they help: They house and take care of unwanted newborn babies until a permanent home can be arranged for them.
How can you get involved: Either donate money or food, toys and other necessary items like diapers. Or you can just visit them and give them some much needed love, care and attention.
78/24 Moo 1, Phumwet Rd., Pakkret, Nonthaburi, 02-584-7253/-5, www.phayathaibabieshome.com

The CCF Foundation Under the royal patronage of hrh princess maha chakri sirindhorn

Who they help: Children in need.
How they help: They help provide needy children across the country with educational opportunities and basic health services.
How can you get involved: By making a donation of just B17/day (or B500/month) to sponsor a child. You then get to follow your sponsored child’s development via their regular handwritten letters. Alternatively, you can just make a one-off donation.
36/4 Chalermprakiat Soi 9, Pravet, 02-747-2600, www.ccfthai.or.th

World Vision

Who they help: Underprivileged children.
How they help: Helping improve the lives of children through education, health care and good nutrition.
How can you get involved: For as little as B15/day (B500/month), you can help improve the life and future of your sponsored child. Or you can or just make a one-off donation.
582/18-22 Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02-381-8863/-5, www.worldvision.or.th

Rajvithi Home for Girls, Pakkred Home for Boys

Who they help: Kids at risk of dropping out of school and ending up on the streets.
How they help: They house these children and make sure they receive a proper education.
How can you get involved: Either donate food, educational materials and money, or volunteer to help teach children on-site.
255 Ratchavithi Rd., 02-354-7483-5. www.rajvithihome.org
Pakkred: 2 Moo 1, Phumvet Rd., 02-583-8343, www.pakkredhome.org

Ban Khru Noi

Who they help: Slum children.
How they help: Offer shelter, food and eduation to poor children.
How can you get involved: You can buy food, books, or transfer money direct to the charities bank account (745-2-11433-4, Kasikorn Bank, Ratburana Branch).
Costs: Up to you.
319 Moo 1, Ratchaburana Soi 26, 02-871-3083, www.moobankru.com/bankrunoi/bankrunoi.htm

Kru Ban Nok (Mirror Foundation Project)

Who they help: Hill-tribe children.
How they help: They provide volunteers to help teach kids in rural areas.
How can you get involved: You can donate learning tools, clothes and money or go on a four-day holiday where you get to stay in an isolated hilltribe community in Chiang Rai and help teach Thai and life skills to village children. (No previous experience required.) If teaching isn’t your thing you can also go there and help plant trees. You have to pay your own way to Chiang Rai and then pay another B1,000 to cover your food. (Transfer the money to Krungthai Bank account “Volunteer Teacher,” 539-1-33371-7.)
106 Moo 1, Baan Huey Khom, Muang, Chiang Rai, 053-737-412, www.bannok.com/volunteer

Duang Prateep Foundation

Who they help: Slum children and the elderly.
How they help: Provides foster homes for orphaned or unwanted children and provides them with a formal education as well as introducing them to life-long learning activities.
How can you get involved: Donate money and essential everyday items. Account “Duang Prateep,” 017-2-06336-5, Kasikorn Bank, Klong Toey branch.
34 Lock 6, Ard-narong Rd., Klong Toey, 02-671-4045/-8, 02-249-4880, www.dpf.or.th

COMMUNITY

Don’t dismiss manual labor as a blue-collar job. Your sweat and hard work can help build homes—and hope—for especially at this difficult time. Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty!

Habitat for Humanity Thailand

Who they help: Homeless people.
How they help: They organize trips for volunteers to help build new houses or renovate existing structures for homeless people.
How can you get involved: You can join one of their existing house building projects, set up your own project or just donate money.
Costs: B750 donation for food, and building materials per day.
12/F, 253 Bldg., 253 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-0644,
www.habitatthailand.org

Operation Blessing Thailand

Who they help: Economically disadvantaged communities, and victims of natural calamities.
How they help: Providing health care and first-aid training, distributing food and water to poverty-stricken communities.
How can you get involved: Unless you are a medical practitioner that is willing to join and travel with their medical team, you can basically help by donating money.
Costs: Up to you.
320, Moo 2, Potong-Jaroen Village, Chiangmai-Maesuay Rd., Chiangmai, 053-291164. www.obthailand.org

Ruamkatanyu Foundation

Who they help: People in accidents, at crime scenes, and those in extreme need of emergency rescue.
How they help: They help the police pick up dead bodies or get injured individuals to the hospital.
How can you get involved: Join their team. When you have been accepted into the program, they will give you basic training on first aid, CPR and other procedures that you need to know. With that you’ll get your own first aid kit, a uniform and you’re ready to go. Give them an idea of when you are available and wait for that call.
Costs: Free, but you need to be prepared to undergo the training.
19 Moo 13, Ladkrabang-Kingkaew-Bangpli Rd., Samut Prakarn, 02-751-0950/-3.

ENVIRONMENT

No one in their right mind denies that global warming is a reality anymore and we all know that deforestation is related to many of our current problems. So if you like the outdoors, joining the environmental conservation movement is a great way to get out of the city while doing some good.

Seub Nakhasathien Foundation

Who they help: Forests within Thailand.
How they help: They run many different programmes aimed at sustaining and protecting our forest regions. The foundation got its name from Seub Nakhasathien, who has dedicated his life to protecting Thailand’s forests and the wildlife that lives in it.
How can you get involved: Make a donation (account 099-2-68730-4, Kasikorn Bank, Phaholyothin branch or account 053-2-38652-4, Siam Commercial Bank, Bangbua branch).
693 Bldg. 4, Department of Medical Sciences, Bamrungmuang Rd., 02-224- 7838/9, www.seub.or.th.

Greenpeace

Who they help: The planet and all the people who depend on it. Greenpeace works to stop climate change, protect forests, prevent water pollution and promote sustainable agriculture.
How they help: By exposing environmental threats and promoting solutions, Greenpeace aims to protect the planet from further ecological ruin, and to serve as a beacon of awareness and action in the interest of environmental protection and sustainable development.
How can you get involved: Be a volunteer in one of their projects or give a donation.
Costs: B300 a month.
138/1 Sutthisan Rd.,2/F, Thong Bldg., 02-357-1921, www.greenpeace.org/seasia

Rabbit in the Moon Foundation

Who they help: The environment, by planting a love for nature in children.
How they help: They offer regular tree-planting trips to the country, but it’s their alternative approach to raising awareness of environmental issues and the range of programs under the Rabbit in the Moon umbrella that has got people interested. Their Nature Study through Aesthetic Consciousness course encourages people to experience nature first-hand through all five senses. The Music for Nature Project teaches children about the environment through the means of traditional music. The Career-Centered Advising project teaches arts and crafts to rural communities so they can make environmentally friendly products that are then sold at the Rabbit Shop.
How can you get involved: This foundation is perfect for artsy types. Whether you are a musician or an artist, you can donate your skills. They are currently looking for graphic designers, photographers, video editors and English teachers. However, they will also ask what other attributes or specialties you can bring to the table and then look to utilize these. Donations are also welcome.
103/62 Sukpalerk Village, Ladprao Soi 26, Chompol, Jatujuk. 02-513-9767. www.rabbitinthemoon.org

Earthwatch

Who they help: The environment.
How they help: By supporting scientific field research related to sustainable development, educating both teachers and students and establishing community-based environmental conservation strategy models.
How can you get involved: You can join one of the many Earthwatch expeditions, which range from documenting the cultural resources of the Mongolian steppe to studying climate change in the Borneo rainforests. Alternatively, if you don’t have 5-14 days to spare, you can just become a donor or a member, starting from US$35. The costs for each expedition also vary but start at around US$2,000.
www.earthwatch.org

Paper Ranger

Who they help: Trees and more.
How they help: They convert used paper into cute notepads and notebooks which are then sold at cheap prices. The money raised is used to spend on materials and their running costs.
How can you get involved: Just gather stacks of paper from your home, or take on the role at your company and collect them at your office, before delivering them to Paper Ranger. And if you’re too lazy, then arrange for them to come and pick up the paper at your office. Their finished products are either sent back to use at your office or donated to schools in rural areas. Paper Ranger also holds events throughout the country to promote their cause so you can tag along and offer support. If you want to buy the notebooks, simply call and they can send them to your office for a small fee (starting from B10 each).
2044/21 New Petchaburi Rd., 02-319-5017, 089-670-4600. www.paperranger.in.th.

CULTURAL PRESERVATION

Culture isn’t just some stuffy old thing you experience in museums; it’s all around us. Our heritage can enrich us, sustains us and preserve our sense of community. Here are a couple ways you can help preserve it.

Makhampom Theater

Who they help: Anyone interested in theater.
How they help: They teach theater arts, produce plays, and promote Thai culture.
How can you get involved: You can volunteer to act in a play or join their performance training programs. You don’t need to have any background in theater to contribute. The theater will take you through a series of training and orientation sessions. For those who like to travel, the theater also goes on tour to the provinces. To support them, you can donate money to Kasikorn Bank, Sutisan Branch, Account Number 069-2-59271-9.
222-224 Suttisan Rd., 02-616-2274. www.makhampom.net

restoration works international

Who they help: Communities around the world whose cultural heritage is facing the threat of extinction.
How they help: Volunteers pay a fee to work alongside local craftsmen at the cultural site in question. Since 2005, the current project has been the restoration of a 300-year-old Buddhist temple situated along the Anapura trail in Nepal.
How can you get involved: Give up your holiday to roll up your sleeves and lend a hand. A 12-day trip is US$2,795 or a 6-day trip is US$1,695. This fee covers room and board and restoration costs. If you can’t make it, you can also make a donation through their website.
www.restorationworksinternational.org

THE DISABLED

Many people with disabilities could lead almost normal lives and contribute productively to our society. But, because of the stigmas attached to their disabilities, they’re going to need a little help from you to reach that stage.

Thailand Association of the Blind

Who they help: The blind.
How they help: They help train blind people in useful vocational skills and then support their careers.
How can you get involved: Pick a novel, pocketbook, documentary or textbook from the request list at the Thailand Association of the Blind (open Mon-Sat) and then record yourself reading it. Cassettes, CDs and cash are also welcome. You can also donate money to account number 128-0-854-850, Bangkok Bank, Din Daeng branch.
5/1-2 Soi Boon Yu, Din Daeng Rd., Phayathai, 02-246-3835. www.tab.or.th

The Bangkok School for the Blind

Who they help: The blind.
How they help: Provide education and career training to blind people.
How can you get involved: There’s a programme for people to come, read storybooks and record them to tape or CD. You can also go there, play with the kids, read to them and help them with their homework. Or donate directly to account number 022-133700-8, Krung Thai Bank, Silom branch.
420 Ratchawithi Rd., 02-354-8365/-8. www.blind.or.th

Thai Red Cross Eye Bank

Who they help: The blind.
How they help: They collect donated corneas and offer them as transplants to blind people.
How can you get involved: You make a will that you’ll want to donate your corneas once you’re dead. So in death you can help give someone a new lease of life.
Thai Red Cross Eye Bank, Henry Dunant Rd., 02-256-4039, 02-256-4040, www.eyebankthai.com

The Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H. The Princess Mother

Who they help: Amputees.
How they help: They produce artificial legs for those who can’t afford to buy their own.
How can you get involved: Collect bottles, soft drinks cans, beer or even old aluminum pans and donate them to the organization so that they can recast them as components for artificial legs. Or simply wire your money directly to the foundation’s account, 001-4-76000-8, Siam Commercial Bank, Chidlom branch.
693 Bamrungmuang Rd., next to Hua Chiew Hospital, 02-226-5666 ext. 2600, www.prosthesesfoundation.or.th

Foundation for Children with Disabilities

Who they help: Disabled children.
How they help: They house and take care of disabled children.
How can you get involved: Collect used and unwanted pre-paid calling cards, MRT and BTS passes and expired credit cards (which will be resold to raise money for the kids). You can also volunteer to help take care of the children or just donate money to account 203-0-18163-6, Bangkok Bank, Ladprao Soi 44 branch.
46 Ladprao Soi 47, 02-539-9958, www.fcdthailand.org

Thai Disabled Development Foundation

Who they help: Disabled people.
How they help: They create employment opportunities for the disabled through a special web board where job seekers can post their resumes and search for relevant jobs.
How can you get involved: You can make money donations or volunteer to help out with their various different activities.
29 Chaiyapruek Bldg., Wisutkasat Rd., 02-281-9280, www.tddf.or.th

ANIMALS

Think you have it tough in today’s cutthroat world, well how about trying to survive as one of our furry friends, having to cope with disappearing natural habitat, exploitation and even plain cruelty. Do your bit by helping those creatures who can’t always help themselves.

Foundation for Stray Dogs and Soi Cats and Dogs (SCAD)

Who they help: Stray cats and dogs.
How they help: They help reduce the number and improve the lives of Bangkok’s strays through programmes of adoption, education and sterilization.
How can you get involved: You can pitch in with money or supplies like leashes and shampoo for the adoption facility, or even plan events like fundraisers or sterilization projects in your community. Just contact SCAD for advice.
Costs: Up to you.
Foundation for Stray Dogs. 712/3 Puengmee 40, 02-730-3506. www.scadbangkok.org

Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand (WARF)

Who they help: Wild animals.
How they help: They provide animal sanctuaries and fight against the illegal wildlife trade in endangered species.
How can you get involved: You can join one of their two projects: The Gibbon Rehabilitation center in Phuket and The Wild Animal Rescue and Education Center, where you can participate in activities like looking after the animals, research, building cages, and informing tourists about wildlife protection. You will need to be available for at least three weeks and pay for your own travel and food costs. Accommodation is provided, though.
65/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-712-9715, www.warthai.org

Friends of the Asian Elephant

Who they help: Elephants in distress.
How they help: Their hospital has medical tools and kind-hearted vets to take care of sick or maltreated elephants.
How can you get involved: Nothing hands on, unless you are a vet, but you can make a donation to Account Number 111-2-27207-8, Siam Commercial Bank, Ratchayothin branch.
350 Moo 8, Ram-Indra Soi 61, 02-945-7124/-6, www.elephant-soraida.com

Elephant Nature Park

Who they help: Thai elephants.
How they help: By providing a natural habitat for elephants that allows them to live peacefully in natural surroundings.
How can you get involved: You can make a day visit where you can learn about the elephants and help the staff feed and bathe them. Or for a more intensive experience, go for the seven-day volunteer program where you’ll be living at the sanctuary with the creatures and helping out at the park. Count B2,500 for a one-day visit (includes buffet lunch and transportation to and from your hotel in Chiang Mai) or B12,000 for seven-day volunteer program (includes all meals and drinks and accommodation in bamboo huts with a fan and bedding).
1 Ratmakka Rd., Phra Singh, Chiang Mai, 053-272-855.,
www.elephantnaturefoundation.org

GT200 Bomb Sniffers

B800-900 million
The British-made device was meant to detect explosives, and their use in the deep South led to hundreds of arrests—arrests we now know were baseless. The GT200 was actually two empty plastic boxes, although the army was paying B900,000 per scanner. You could also add “sensor cards on them,” increasing the cost to B1.2 million. The cards, when taken apart, were just crudely cut pieces of cardboard. Despite this, the case never went to court, the army continued to claim the scanners work and they even received the enthusiastic support of top forensic investigator, Dr. Pornthip.

Thai Khem Khaeng

Part of the B86 billion overall budget
Under the Abhisit government, the Ministry of Public Health drew flack for overspending and inflated prices on just about everything they bought under the stimulus spending scheme, from UV fans and ambulances to equipment and building materials. Thanks to the findings of head investigator Banlu Siripanich, the Public Health Minister and Democrat MP Witthaya Kaewparadai and the Deputy Minister from Bhumjaithai Party Manit Nop-amornbodi had to resign, although there were no legal consequences for either of them.

The Ratchadaphisek Land Case

B100 million
In 2003, Potjaman Shinawatra bought land from the government for B772 million. By some estimates, Potjaman should have paid B880 million for the Ratchadapisek plots. For this, Thaksin was found guilty of abusing his power while Prime Minister by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions. He was sentenced to two years in jail. Potjaman was refunded with 7% interest per annum and the land was sold to a property developer for B1.8 billion.

The Fire Truck Scandal

B6.6 billion
In 2004, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration signed a contract for fire trucks and boats from Austrian company Steyr. It was approved by Interior Minister Bokhin Balakula and Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej as part of a barter deal for Thai chickens. But it was Samak’s democrat successor, Apirak Kosayodhin, who opened a letter of credit to foot the bill. When it was revealed the trucks were seriously overpriced, Apirak was forced to resign on Nov 13, 2008. Recently, Apirak was also found to have had fake CCTV cameras installed in the capital, although the former governor claims they were the fastest way to restore a sense of security in the capital in the wake of the Dec 31, 2006, New Year’s Eve bombings.

Shin Corp.

B46 billion
The Shinawatras’ shares in Shin Corp increased in value by B46 billion from the date Thaksin took office in 2001 to their sale to the Singaporean company Temasek in 2006. The Supreme Court found Thaksin guilty of a conflict of interest and corruption for enacting policies that benefited the company during his time as Prime Minister and confiscated the B46 billion, while freezing another B30 billion. Thaksin supporters argue the liberalization of the telecoms market benefited the entire sector (and consumers) and that Shin Corp’s increase in value was in line with the Thai Stock Market’s performance over the same period.

Thailand is rife with corruption on every scale and across every sector. Bribes are paid to the police on a daily basis. Corrupt politicians are given respect and voted into office time and time again. Grassroots protests against mega projects are often ignored, and small communities often end up having to watch their livelihoods be destroyed. We spoke to four women from four different sectors of society about why Thailand is so corrupt, the myths that perpetuate corruption and what’s being done to fight this endemic issue.

The NGO watchdog

Juree Vichit-Vadakan

Juree Vichit-Vadakan has worked extensively in the women’s rights arena and is currently the Secretary General of Transparency Thailand. The organization’s latest project, “To Pai Mai Gong” (Growing Good) targets children through a school program that raises awareness about corruption.
Why is Thailand so corrupt?
It’s partly because the structure of Thai society still doesn’t give importance to equality. We still cling to the patronage system of the past. People in power need to surround themselves with friends and subordinates, and these friends and subordinates receive patronage in return. This kind of structure turns politics into a matter of money. Politicians need money to maintain their power and position. And it becomes a vicious cycle. Those with no money have no access to power.
What are some of the myths about corruption?
Petty corruption doesn’t hurt anybody. Both sides benefit. The giver wants to give. The receiver wants to receive. These are myths because it’s the state that loses. Some people say it’s just something between the giver and the receiver, when in truth, this is all a public matter. Corruption is never a private matter. When you create this kind of culture of tolerance, can you imagine the damage being done to the younger generation? They will tolerate corruption. They will think that it’s acceptable because everyone is doing it.
Is there a link between gender inequality and corruption?
Yes. Many studies have shown that there tends to be less corruption when more women are included in the decision-making process. Women who have made it in politics tend to have gone through a lot to get to where they are. They usually feel that since they have the opportunity to hold the position, they’d better not do something that could be damaging to themselves and their families. I’m not talking about legacy cases. I’m talking about local women politicians. Male politicians usually get involved in infrastructure projects, where corruption is rampant. Women politicians prefer to tackle projects that will benefit their children, like education, the environment, security and health. They usually understand what it takes to create a good environment for their children, so the tendency to pocket money from these projects is often less.

The Grassroots Activist

Sompong Wianghchand

Sompong Wiangchand was one of the people who spearheaded the Assembly of the Poor protests against the construction of the Pak Moon Dam. Over twenty years later, Sompong is among the few people left in the struggle. She was recently appointed a member of the National Reform Committee.
Why do you think Thailand is so corrupt?
It begins with elections, that are often rife with vote-buying. Once in office, these politicians use the opportunity to retrieve the money they spent during the election. This is common among district and sub-district headmen and village chiefs. The District Administration Organization is the worst. To be able to work there, you have to pay them 100,000 baht per year. As for those in Parliament, they’re just climbing up the ladder for their own personal gain.
How does Thai society view corruption?
I see it as a danger to the country’s development. Competent people with no money don’t get to work, but incompetent people with money get the jobs, which is such a shame. But some people in my village think I’m crazy, that I’m not normal, even stupid. They ask me, “Why don’t you make money your priority?” District and sub-district headmen say that they have the right to their positions because they’ve spent money to buy them. As for the people, when the government gives them money or aid, they see the politicians as gods. They think that the money comes straight from the politicians’ pockets. They don’t realize that it comes from the state, from other ordinary people.
What can the private and the public sectors do to help fight corruption?
I heard in the news that the private sector is joining hands to fight corruption. That’s really good. When it comes to big development projects, we really need competent, quality people. There’s just too much outside intervention in the National Anti-corruption Commission.
What can the people do to combat corruption?
The Assembly of the Poor has always fought against corruption. We drafted a bill that will see more community participation in development projects, as well as the public’s ability to monitor state budgets, but the bill is still sitting in Parliament. So far, people have no idea where the money comes from. There’s no mechanism that gives the public access to the Bureau of Budget. Ordinary people like us have always depended on the power of the masses, but that power is always rendered ineffective by the state mechanisms.

The Business Woman

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul chairs the Foundation for a Clean and Transparent Thailand and the good governance committee of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. In June, the CEO of Toshiba Thailand signed her company up for the Coalition Against Corruption that counts the Thailand Stock Exchange and the Thai Chamber of Commerce among its members. The company recently refused to participate in the government’s tablet programme, due to fears that the procurement would be rife with corruption.
How does Thai society view corruption?
It’s just become so rampant that engaging in corruption is normal, and not engaging in it is not. What’s worse is that people can’t distinguish between right and wrong. That’s the reason why the Chamber of Commerce and the Coalition Against Corruption wanted to join forces. The network was not created to point fingers at anyone. We’re trying to tackle the problem by starting with ourselves. When we talk about wrongdoings, we need to ask ourselves whether or not we’re participating in it. What we try to do is to start over and change people’s attitudes, starting in our own homes, in our own companies.
Can you give us an example of what a private company can do to reduce corruption?
There are a lot of people in Thailand who see something they don’t like but say nothing because they don’t want to put themselves at risk. We can’t remain silent anymore. It’s obvious the horrible state our society is in today. We have to speak out. We have to practice what we preach. We have to give others encouragement so they will have the courage to speak out as well. If you’re the head of the company, you have to set an example. You have to be pro-active and show your subordinates that transparency is important to the company. If Thailand wants to be an economic leader, we have to clean up our act or else others won’t recognize us as capable to lead. And right now, we’re not transparent.
What else does the Coalition Against Corruption need to do to combat corruption?
The first thing we said we needed to do was to set up a center to share information, to see how we can better work together. The second thing we need to do is create an index. We plan to publish a perception index every six months. The main issue that we’ve decided to tackle together is procurement. The NACC has been pushing a new procurement bill that concerns the private and public sectors. The Office of the Public Sector Development Commission is working on the same issue. We decided to jump on the bandwagon because we want to see it materialize. We try to work with other organizations, like gender and educational organizations, and the BMA, to raise public awareness about corruption. We also need special events to stimulate the public. Recently we organized a walk against corruption where we invited Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and President of the Senate Teeradej Meepian to show that fighting against corruption isn’t about politics.
What are the challenges?
Some people tell me that joining forces to tackle corruption is impossible—people in the government, ordinary people I meet, even people in my own company. I make my employees wear anti-corruption t-shirts every Thursday. The first day we did that, an employee said that when he was on the bus, someone asked him whether he was wearing the t-shirt because he didn’t like the prime minister. Another employee asked me whether he could wear another shirt if he had to go into government buildings because everyone just stared at him as if he were accusing them of corruption. That’s why I think we need to let everyone know where we stand on this matter. We can no longer remain silent. There will be people who are against us, but I think that’s a phase we all have to go through.

Surapong Laoha-Unya, Chief Operating Officer of the Bangkok Mass Transit System, answers our readers questions about the BTS.

Nuttaphol Onaree, 33, photographer

“It’s a waste of time to queue up for coins at the BTS. You should install ticket machines that accept bank notes, and let officers dispense tickets as well as coins. Also, when will the BTS and MRT ticketing systems merge? It’s annoying to have to buy two tickets every time.”

The cause: ”The long queues only happen at crowded stations like Siam or Asoke during rush hour because everyone shows up at the same time.”
The solution: ”We’ve just installed more exchange coin boxes at some stations, but we have no plan to let our staff sell tickets. We’re trying to convince people to use refillable cards more. We plan to install the merged ticket for the BTS and MRT early next year. You’ll also be able to use it to make purchases at shops like Au Bon Pain, and we’re negotiating to bring in more shops. We hope everyone will like it and be persuaded to use refillable cards rather than coins.”

Ubonwan Kerdtongtawee, 22, student

“It’s really crowded in the morning. I have to wait for at least two trains before I can get on. The first one is really full, then some don’t even stop at my station. They just pass us to pick up people at On Nut station directly. That means I have to wait 20 minutes! I’ve also had to wait at the turnstiles sometimes, because the BTS officer tells me that the platform is too crowded!”

The cause: “The number of passengers grows every year and we’ve just opened five new stations on the Sukhumvit line which has increased the number of passengers by about 40,000-50,000 people from the previous total of 600,000 daily passengers. Some of them are not used to the BTS and get into the carriages slowly, and the driver can’t close the doors in the allotted 50 seconds, causing delays for other trains. And as the trains get crowded from early stations like Bangna or Bearing, we sometimes have to send empty trains to pick people up at the crowded On Nut station directly.”
The solution: “We’re now waiting for 35 additional carriages which we placed an order for last year. We will attach them to all 35 Sukhumvit-line trains to make them 4-carriage trains like those on the Silom line. The number of trains is enough. We just have to put better measures in place to ensure time efficiency for each train and increase the number of officers on hand to maintain order during rush hours. We also keep two spare trains for each line in case one breaks down or the line is too crowded.”

Kaptan Jungteerapanich, 22, a recent graduate

“The BTS breaks down too often! Almost every day, around 5-7pm, you can already expect something is going wrong.”

The cause: “We’ve installed new trains and new operating systems that changed from analog to digital at the end of last year. Though we tested the systems for about 4-5 months before installation, we still have some unforeseen problems that didn’t come up in testing. Most of the problems are related to computer processing, and are sometimes due to a weakened signal from our headquarter control room at Mo Chit Station.”
The solution: “After monitoring these problems, we’ve tried to fix all the issues, and I think it’s getting better and more stable now. I want to point out that we also had this problem when we first opened 12 years ago. But there wasn’t such a public outcry because there weren’t as many passengers as there are today.”

Tassanee Saleeposh, 39, tutor

“Can’t they not have TV screens on the BTS? It’s really pollution for the eyes and ears. It’s so noisy and it’s all junk commercials that we’re forced to watch. Train systems in other countries don’t have this.”

The cause: “We did some research about TVs on the BTS and found that 97% of passengers like having them. We also put subtitles on the screens to help people who are deaf.”
The solution: “We admit that there are 3% who don’t like the TVs, but we always monitor the volume of the commercials to make sure it’s not disturbing passengers too much. If you think the TV is too loud, please tell us the train number, so we can fix it when it comes back to the headquarters.”

Suphattra Sae-Tang, 33, accountant

“I’m so sick of waiting for trains going in the opposite direction to cross Saphan Taksin station. Why didn’t you build two rails in the first place? Will you expand it in the future? The station is also tiny and there isn’t much space to stand on the platform. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone fell.”

The cause: “The Saphan Taksin station was originally built as a temporary station so we only installed one rail. But since it has taken ten years to build the extension, people around the area have gotten used to it and oppose plans to demolish it.“
The solution: ”We’ve discussed the extension of the rail with the BMA and the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) who take care of Saphan Taksin Bridge. Now we have two choices. The first is that the DRR cut the inner lane of the bridge, then expand the bridge width on the other side, so that we can install another BTS rail. The second choice is demolishing the station and creating a transfer system like a shuttle bus service or skywalk. This line will be busier next year as we prepare to open five more stations to Bang Wa, and we need to fix this issue to make operations on this line flow more smoothly. We’ve also ordered four new trains to support the new stations as well.”

BTS Contact Info

• @BTS_Skytrain
• facebook: tiny.cc/qwxvr
• www.bts.co.th
• hotline: 02-617-6000
• nudvan@bts.co.th (6am-midnight)

Freelancer Discovers CCTV Cameras are Empty

Wisan Medsai, 51, a freelance photographer, exposed the truth about the empty CCTV camera cases in his neighborhood by posting pictures on the Pantip webboard.

Did you hear? The next generation is dumb, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Education. 50% of kids aged 9-15 have below average IQs—but isn’t that the definition of an average? Experts are worried nonetheless, and they’re blaming everything from iodine deficiency to rural teachers. Will free tablet computers save us all? Is iodine the cure-all? And are we really that stupid? To find out, BK speaks to a pediatrician, a businessman in the field of IT and an official from the Ministry of Education.

RURAL SCHOOLS: Interview with Ministry of Education.

DIGITAL LEARNING: ITWorks tech expert on new education.

IODINE DEFICIENCY: A doctor's take on IQ and iodine intake.

NUMEROLOGY: Tablets in Class

HOW TO Get Smarter

BK Asks: What is the dumbest thing you’ve ever done?

Despite recent talk of free WiFi and iPads for all school children, is life really that simple for young people living in Bangkok? Sure your younger brothers and sisters might have all the trappings of modern life from their iPhone 4 to their designer handbag, but what about the kids who don’t get to hang in the high end malls, who in fact don’t even have a roof over their heads?

Gott (14), found sleeping on the floor of Hua lamphong terminus wants to be a soldier when he grows up.

“School’s boring. I’d rather play FIFA video games.” —Gott, 14

If Man (15) doesn’t find random work in the city, he often has to find a place on the street to stay.

Boy (17) says he escaped death because of his Sak Yant tattoo

“We went out to Bang Saen and drank some alcohol. Just us. We kissed and watched the stars all night. It was romantic.”—Boy, 17

Earlier this year, Ohm Phanphiroj’s exhibition, The Streets of Broken Dreams, focused on street prostitutes and raised plenty of controversy and reaction.
More recently, fashion photographer turned documentary maker Chardjakaj Waikawee is the latest to shine a spotlight on this forgotten section of society in his recent exhibition, Youth. As he returns to the streets for a new documentary film project we went with him to find out the reality of life for many of Bangkok’s young and homeless.

We drive to Saphan Phut and despite the lateness of the hour the streets are packed. There’s a club like atmosphere except all the kids milling around are way too young to go to bars. In fact, most are still wearing their school uniforms while busily getting drunk. We approach one group of especially loud kids; the boys are wearing oversized shirts and the girls have on short jean shorts and tight tank tops.
When we try to speak to one guy named Boy (17), wearing a hip-hop sized shirt and knock-off Crocs, the crowd of about ten heckle us. Still, Boy seems keen to answer when we ask him what the best day of his life was. “I was with my girlfriend,” he says, leaning against the bridge rail. “We went out to Bang Saen, and drank some alcohol. Just us. We kissed and watched the stars all night. It was romantic.”
It sounds pretty innocent, a rite of passage all young people go through, but he also reveals a darker side to life on the streets. He’s been arrested in the past for racing his bike at night and doesn’t have to think long when asked what his biggest fear is.

“I’m scared of getting stabbed by a bunch of people.” His friend interrupts our conversation to explain that Boy actually got stabbed today. “But the blade didn’t go through because he has a sak yant [protective tattoo].”

Boy nods his head proudly, and takes off his shirt to reveal a large tattoo he has on his back. Another friend comes up and takes off his shirt, to show us a scar on the side of his ribs. He wasn’t as lucky when he was knifed.

While Boy runs off to get more beer, a small boy ambles over to us, asking for change. We ask the boy what he’s doing here and he agrees to tell us only if we pay him. A few baht later, Nu (14) explains us that he spends most nights hanging out on the bridge begging for change.  “It’s ok, sometimes it’s even fun,” he says, shrugging.

Nu ended up on the street after his parents left him on what he remembers as the worst day of his life. Now he either stays at a friend’s house or, as he puts it, finds a place to sleep. While he can remember the worst day of his life quickly enough, he struggles to think of a best day. He squints his eyes trying to search deeper into his brain before coming up with the answer. “I don’t think I’ve had one. I can’t remember.”

Nu might only be 14 years old but he’s already aware of the dangers of being out on the street. “Someone could kidnap me and sell me somewhere,” he says. “Maybe they’d make me a child prostitute or something.” He obviously knows a thing or two about this sort of thing. “Some of my friends got taken away,” he says. “I’ve never seen them again.

“All I want for my birthday is for my whole family to be together.”
—Gop, 8

Prieow (19) loves the thrill of speeding on her boyfriend’s motorcycle.

“I love hanging out where there’s fast bikes, and people racing each other.”
­—Prieow, 19

Nu (14) was abandoned by his family.

“I spend most of my nights begging for change. It’s ok, sometimes it’s even fun.”
—Nu, 14

Snapshot of Bangkok’s Homeless Youth

57%
Street children who listed begging as their occupation.

4%
Street children who are sex workers.

18%
Street children who say they live on the streets to make money for their families.

15%
Street children who said they have been victims of sexual abuse.

88%
Street children who have spent more than a year on the streets.

34%
Street children who have spent more than three years on the streets.

87%
Street children who have stoppedattending school.

9%
Street children who have never been to school.

Goy-Ty (16) hasn’t seen her parents for a while.

“The good days have passed already. It seems like every day is just tough lately.”—Goy-Ty, 16

14-year-old Pete’s greatest fear is girls.

“We got in [to a pub] by giving the bouncer B90.”—Pete, 14

Daeng (20) is coping with heartbreak by hanging out at Saphan Phut.

“The best day of my life was when I was with my girlfriend. The worst day was when she dumped me, yesterday.”—Daeng, 20

At this point, the crowd of teens are becoming increasingly intrigued by what we are doing. They urge Goy-Ty (16), who is constantly adjusting her makeup and clothing, to do an interview with us. For someone so young she seems pretty world weary, as she announces that she’s given up on school. “The good days have passed already,” she says, laughing. “It seems like every day is just tough lately.”

Still, unlike some, she’s still in contact with her parents, even if she only goes to see them when she needs money. It’s money she uses to pursue her favorite pastime. “I love going to pubs,” she says, cheering up a little bit. “My favorite is the Regent.”

We leave Goy-Ty but quickly run into 14-year-old Pete, who is busy making stabbing motions and pointing to our cameras. Like Goy-Ty, he likes to hang out at pubs and remembers his first time drinking there as the best day of his life.
“I went to the pub at a full moon party,” he says, chin raised trying not to break eye contact. “It was super fun. We got in by giving the bouncers B90 and got really drunk.”

Pete might be only 14 but he’s also had to deal with the more violent aspects of life out on the streets. “I was chasing some guys and they started chasing me back with a knife,” he says with a cocky smile as he recalls the day he almost got stabbed. Still, despite the tough man exterior, there’s also a hint of the child he still is as he tells us his biggest fear: “Girls!” he blurts out before disappearing for more beer. 

We sense the kids are tiring of our presence and want to be left alone to their vices because they start to inch away from us. Pete comes back with a couple more beers and they fill up their glasses. It’s around 1am and they’ll probably do the same thing tomorrow and the day after. As they refuse to talk further, we decide to pack it in for the night to go back to the comfort of our beds—not a choice many of these kids have.

Q&A Chardchakaj Waikawee

Chardchakaj Waikawee, 29, used to take photos of models for a living but decided to focus on a very different subject in his exhibition, Youth, about disenfranchised kids in Bangkok. We asked him why he swapped the glamor of the catwalk for seedy sois and what inspires him to document these children.

Why did you decide to make the switch from fashion to documentary photography?
It’s boring taking photos of people my age. They’re always trying to act, trying to be cool. But taking these documentary style photos is very pure. My subjects don’t pose. They’re just themselves.
What sort of feedback did you receive about your exhibition?
I was flipping through the guest book from the opening night of the exhibition and someone had written, “We need people like you to keep social issues alive.” That was really inspiring.
Why focus on projects about youth culture?
I think it’s fun to observe and examine a new way of life, and study a new culture that’s always overlooked. You can see how politics actually shapes culture if you take the time to look.
So you think there’s a political aspect to your images?
Everyone’s so crazy about politics, but politics are right in front of our own eyes. I don’t want to tell people that my photos are political because I think a portrait of a child left on the streets is strong and already loaded with meaning. I’m just trying to remind people that they should just open their eyes a little bit.
Do you think your photos can make a difference?
I don’t think my photos are art. They’re more like recording and communicating feelings. I hope that my work is more than just photos. Interview by Clae Sea

Q&A Sitthiporn Thumnieamngarm

For over twenty years Sitthiporn Thumnieam-ngarm has been part of the non-profit organization Baan Somdej, devoting his life to teaching street kids.

How did you start out working with the kids?
I studied at Ramkhamhaeng University and while  there I helped out at camps in the rural provinces and border areas. I saw a lot of things I wanted to change. The camps changed my perspective. Then in 1989 I moved back home to Pathum Thani, just when the Baan Somdej foundation started the second generation of child care projects.
How do you get through to the kids?
I take them to the zoo, give them crayons and teach them to draw. It’s mostly recreational stuff we do. I just want them to not be afraid because the main goal is to have them stay at a proper residence. They need to trust us first and the method varies depending on each case. Most of the time, the kids aged up to 12 are easier to get through to. The hardest ones are those between 17-22 because they’re already hardened by the street lifestyle.
So how and when do you find them?
I am out all the time, but when depends on the area. The street kids in Hua Lampong are around during late afternoon until early evening. For the Rangsit kids, we’ll mostly see them in the early morning, between 6am-8am.
What are some difficulties you face?
Some of the kids we see in the street have been kidnapped. It’s difficult to tell the difference between those kids that have left abusive homes and those that have been forcibly taken by gangs. Dealing with the gangs can be tricky, if I step on their toes. In the past, I could get in trouble with the cops too. If the police see me hanging out with a gang of kids, they can throw me in jail because there’s nothing that says I am working for a street kids organization. It took 15 years for our organization to become widely known.
Does the government do enough for youth in Bangkok?
Our foundation is not the solution to taking care of the streets kids issue. There are two or three ministries that are responsible. But have you ever noticed the kids wiping windshields in the street in Silom Road? And do you see the police just standing there not stopping them? That’s how it is. I think it is strange how they don’t act unless there’s an order from the big guys. Interview by Ubonwan Kerdtongtawee

Q&A Surachai Sukkhiawon

Surachai Sukkhiawon is the director for the Baan Nok Kamin Foundation, a house for orphans and homeless children.

Why did you get involved with street kids?
I was actually an orphan and street kid myself. I was lucky, I had the chance to study at Ramkamhaeng University and I volunteered to teach street kids at the same time. Afterwards I came here to Baan Nok Kamin.
What kind of issues does your charity have to try and tackle?
We get all sorts of problems, whether if it’s to do with the street children’s documents or no permission from parents. So it’s difficult for them to get into school, even get an ID card. We also need to find these kids that no one cares about.
Why do you try and help?
If these kids grow up without anyone caring for them, they’ll turn into bad people and we’ll become their victims. There are kids in society that have problems.
How do you get these kids to trust you?
When I was a street teacher and met these kids, I’d try to give them advice and bring them into the family, which is the family of Baan Nok Kamin. We take care of them, give them education, teach them to be good kids and see the value of themselves—make them feel that they can live in society with dignity.
Where do their problems stem from?
Some kids are from broken families, or their parents have abandoned them. This creates problems in their mind which make them run away from home or make bad decisions. And when they make bad life decisions, they become social outcasts and run into problems with drugs.
How should these problems be fixed?
The government has to give support to nonprofit organizations. We don’t have the authority to be their guardian.
What are they like when they first get here?
Some come in and are angry and selfish because that’s how they’ve survived so far. We try to give them love and make them feel like they are part of a family.
Are you in contact after they’ve left?
Yes, because we’re a family. Some have graduated from university or have started a family or are working and they do come back to visit us. They come to visit the kids or help with work-related matters. Or when they’re going to marry, they need me to support them like a parent as they have no-one. Interview by Sasinipa Wasantapreuk

We’re in a cab on the way to meet Chuvit Kamolvisit and his entourage somewhere in Din Daeng. They’re launching a new website (www.chuvitonline.com) to help get the former massage parlor kingpin’s anti-corruption message across to voters. We’re simply relieved to be able to follow him. A slip down a hill in Nakhon Si Thammarat a few days before left him hospitalized with a bad back and put a brake on his energetic campaigning. 

On the drive across town we tell our cab driver who we’re going to see and ask him what he thinks about the larger-than-life character. “Chuvit stands for repentance,” muses Palangkul Rahotarn. “Considering his past, he’s now become a better person.” Would he vote for him though? “Possibly. I like him. He’s straightforward.”
Repentance and straightforwardness are traits Chuvit has played off ever since he blew the whistle on corrupt police back in 2003 and entered the media spotlight. He’s still a big draw, as we realize when we spot the ranks of cameras outside the Internet cafe where the press con is taking place. We call Thepthat Boonpattananon, or Aum, one of Chuvit’s loyal army of assistants, to find out where to go. The candidate is doing a quick walk about up the street and is surrounded by a good-natured mob of supporters, journalists and students keen to get their photo taken with him.

Chuvit seems in buoyant spirits with little sign of the injury, taking time to stop and chat to store owners before dashing to pose for photos, always happy to pull the trademark grimace that has made his posters so popular. Eventually he’s steered over to the cafe and the waiting reporters. A quick demonstration of how the site works and a few sound bites and the press con is over. While most of the reporters head to lunch, Chuvit does an interview with a TV reporter from China News wanting his thoughts on the election. He’s also been contacted by NHK and has an interview with Agence France Press on the next day at 2pm. Aum, who is responsible for getting the press to follow him shows us a thick notebook that’s filled with scribbled meetings, numbers and contacts. He admits his candidate’s reputation helps. “It’s easy to get people to follow him because of who he is.”

While Chuvit continues his interview we are busy trying to persuade Khun Ke, another assistant, to give us a few minutes of his time. She’s pretty reluctant: “With his injuries and all, maybe we can schedule another time?” After promises that we won’t keep him long and that we’re happy to do it over lunch, she finally relents, ushering us to the nearest khao man gai restaurant.

After helping clear a table we finally find ourselves sitting down for some uninterrupted time with the man himself. He’s remarkably relaxed in these relatively lowly settings and, perhaps more surprisingly, equally at ease switching between Thai and English, a legacy of his time studying in the US. For the most part, the conversation is focused on the election. Why is he running for office again after two failed attempts at becoming Bangkok Governor and a brief stint as an MP (he was thrown out of parliament over a technicality relating to his membership in the Chart Thai Party)?

“Because I watch TV and read the newspapers and I laugh. I think I’m living in a comedy. Thai politicians act like Thai people are very stupid. They don’t do things for the Thai people. They just monopolize everything and take all the money for themselves.” His aims, he says, are rather different. He wants to make a difference, or, as he puts it, he wants “to be a pain in the ass,” for the existing order. Of course his distrust of existing politicians is a line we’ve heard before, but as the head of a party with just 11 nominated candidates, does he really think he can bring about any major changes? “I don’t want to be on the executive. I want to be the opposition. I want to be the public eye in parliament, and use the media to tell people what’s really going on.”

As for his rather unusual campaign posters, he says, “I deliberately take this negative approach, this angry face in my posters. I am not an actor, an artist or even a politician. I want to show society that I am different.”

He also thinks it’s an essential tactic for a party like his, one operating on a very small budget. “I can’t reach millions of people by campaigning on the streets for 45 days but I can tell millions of people about society’s problems with a website, and through my posters,” he continues.

When asked about his opinion on the outcome of the elections he demonstrates his trademark honesty: “Thais aren’t very educated about politics, so it’s easy to attract them to vote for you. Every politician, every party is promising populist policies, but the government will end up bankrupt soon. I think Pheu Thai will get in because they have the political machine, they have the majority. But they’ll have to compromise because of Thai society. There are so many groups that have power outside of government.”

“If you don’t compromise in politics, then you get a war. Last year no one would compromise. But now, I think there will be a compromise.”

It’s clear from the anxious expressions on the assistants’ faces that we’re talking for too long and they clearly want to get him back to the office. But as he finishes his soup we do have chance to ask him why he bothers. If he believes the politicians are all looking after each other, why spend days pounding the streets and spending millions of baht just for an outside chance of getting into government?

“Sometimes I don’t know,” is his frank response. “This is the fourth time I’ve run a campaign and if I don’t get in, well I’ve wasted another B100 million.”
“Maybe I should just buy a yacht, a Rolls Royce or go and blow the money on a trip to Europe. After all, I can’t change the whole world. I’m no superman,” he admits. It’s then, just as the assistants swoop in to clear away the bowls that we perhaps get a glimpse of the real reason he’s running.

“I just want people to remember me,” he says before standing and heading off for some final photos with a crowd of young students who’ve been waiting patiently.
A silver van with a big number five on the side pulls up and Chuvit and Ke jump in. We decide to take a look at the campaign HQ, set in a beautiful old Thai house at the back of Chuvit Gardens. The small group of friends and family that make up his team are sitting out on the veranda having a smoke and chatting, while Khun Ke and Aum hit the phones and Chuvit takes it easy inside. A white board in the corner shows the plan of action for every one of the campaign’s 45 days while photo boards show where Chuvit’s already been. According to the schedule, he supposed to hit a market later, but his bad back is clearly catching up with him, and the outing is cancelled, ending our day on the campaign trail.

It’s all been a little manic, and far too brief, but at least we got to spend some time with him. He’s clearly very clever and very different from the slightly jokey persona he presents to the world and, we have to admit, we can’t help liking him. He’ll need over 250,000 votes to get a place in parliament but, whether he achieves it or not, we do think he’ll succeed in his real aim: people certainly won’t forget Chuvit Kamolvisit. Nick Measures with Natthanun Prasongchaikul

It is 11am on Wednesday, June 15. Chitpas Bhirombhakdi and her campaign crew are in front of a jeans shop next to Petchburi Road, waiting for the rest to arrive. Everyone is wearing light blue Democrat polo shirts sporting the party’s number 10. The MP candidate herself sports a polo in a darker shade of blue, matching trousers, pink Converse sneakers and a ponytail. When she sees us, she smiles brightly, greets us and then goes over to sit on top of an ice box. You’d never guess this casual 26-year-old is the daughter of Singha Corporation’s executive vice president Chuntinant Bhirombhakdi and ML Piyapas, an aristocrat close to HM the Queen.

It has been two years since the Singha heiress resigned from her position in the prime minister’s secretariat, over a scandal where she had been distributing copies of raunchy Leo beer calendars outside Government House. Now, as the Democrat candidate for the Dusit Ratchatewi constituency, she aims to one day become the first female prime minister of Thailand, with July 3 just the first of several election campaigns on her path to Government House’s highest office.

She speaks to us in English, with a hint of a British accent from her school days abroad. “I’m just trying the best I can,” says the King’s College graduate. “I can’t predict anything right now because everything comes down to the last week before election.”

Her aim is to cover the whole area of the constituency at least twice before the election. “I’m a new face. I have to work twice as hard,” she says.

We pause when a man wearing a red shirt conducts a one-man protest, taunting Chitpas and her crew with a Yingluck poster. The crew laughs it off, but we ask her if she finds it difficult when red shirts show up at her walk-abouts.

“Not really,” she says. “I respect that. Obviously, different people have different beliefs and opinions. If they have a question to ask me, I’m willing to answer.”
The sun is scorching at 11:30am as the last of the crew arrives, and Chitpas heads into Petchburi Soi 31 to start campaigning. She stops by all the shops that line the soi, along with Senator Poosadee Wansekumhaeng, and wais the sellers, customers and passersby, while her crew hands out flyers. People are polite and seem to be in awe of her beauty. Some people even shout out to tell her how beautiful she is.

From time to time, Chitpas wipes the sweat from her brow with a tissue as campaign trucks with faces of Chitpas and Abhisit pass by, playing look tung-style Democrat songs.

It is noon and a man comes to take photos with Chitpas, holding up his hand in a gesture of support. “My family will vote for you. You’ve got 30 votes,” he says. Later at a noodle stall, a woman gives Chitpas a bunch of pink roses. “You’ve got seven votes,” she says.

The crew decides to have a lunch break and we talk to an old woman selling fruits, who has just been greeted by Chitpas.

“I’ll be voting for the Democrats anyway,” she says. “Their campaign promises are good. They give school tuition, they give money to senior citizens. Abhisit gives us many things.”

We then point out to the many campaign cards from different parties she has posted on the wall beside her. “I just stuck them there. But I like the Democrats and I like the Prime Minister.”

After lunch, we talk to one of Chitpas’ assistants, Narissararat Srichantamitr. “I’m confident that she will win,” she says. “I see how much effort she puts in. She can get a lot of campaigning done in one day and walks a lot. People have also responded to her well. She may get criticism and people may say she’s young, but they see how well she can answer their questions.”

Despite her young age, it seems like Chitpas has been preparing for this moment for a long time. She tells us, “I’ve always been interested in politics since I was very young. But I’ve only had the opportunity to see politics from a management point of view, rather than actually working with the people. I try to tell them it’s probably time to let a new generation come in and have more involvement in politics.”

She switches to Thai, “As the government, we always get blamed whenever there are problems. I try to explain [our work] the best I can although I understand that people are frustrated. Campaigning can be tiring but there’s only three weeks left. I won’t give up.”

It is nearly 2pm. Chitpas and her crew walk to Chumchon Jarurat Tonsai, a slum down the road. The heiress does not look uncomfortable as she, Senator Poosadee and their crew navigate through the labyrinth of cramped homes, while cats and dogs scattered everywhere. They stop by a kindergarten and Chitpas greets the children, whose faces are all covered in talcum powder. She then goes to sit on a bench and check her BlackBerry. After a while they head out.

At this point we stop following them. Chitpas is going to continue campaigning down the road and then go to a military base. As the music from the campaign truck fades away, we ask a nearby Isaan food seller her views on the Democrats: “Honestly, I don’t like them,” she says. “It’s been two years and they can only do 30 percent of what they promised. Not even the Prime Minister can do anything and the economy is still bad. [Chitpas is] pretty, but I don’t know if she can actually do anything.” That’s the thing with new candidates, the only way to find out, is to give them a shot. Sasinipa Wasantapruek and Aimmarin Siritantitam

Read the finale of the Campaign Trail series: Chuvit Komolvisit: The odd one out.

It’s 8am and we’re supposed to meet Tankhun Jitt-itsara, the Democrat MP candidate for Don Muang (Constituency 12). Located at the furthermost points of the MRT and BTS plus another 20 minute cab ride, the Don Muang constituency is pretty far-flung from the center of the capital. The problem is, there’s no sign of him. We ring his mobile over and over, but no answer. Not even a text. Didn’t he tell us to meet him here? This is not the best way to make a first impression.

An hour later, he finally calls and tells us to cab over to a modest one-floor building with blue Democrat signs scattered everywhere. Inside his offices are a handful of people in blue getting ready to campaign for Tankhun, and against Pheu Thai’s political powerhouse, Karun Hosakul.

Tankhun waves us into his office. While his attire—brown, sporty leather shoes, slick, black pants, and a blue, Gingham shirt—suggest he’s come a long way from the shy, short-shorts-wearing pretty boy in the 2000 hit Thai film Satree Lek (Iron Ladies), glimpses of boyish charm do surface even while talking about the serious subject of politics.

“There are two things in politics: ideology and benefits,” says the new, 32-year-old politico. “Some politicians are so consumed by the benefits they receive that they forget about the ideology they once had when they started.”

The odds are stacked against him. Numerous sources predict that he’s going to lose the battle for a constituency that has been an epicenter of political turmoil. But he remains optimistic.

“There are three things [that will make me MP of Don Muang],” he says. “Making Don Muang airport ASEAN’s trading capital and an aviation school, extending public transport lines to the area and further to Rangsit, and being a role model to students.”

Our chat is interrupted as two people come in for a campaign strategy shake-up. In the midst of the intense brainstorm Tankhun turns to us and asks, “Is there anything you want to add? I want to know what you think.”

We don’t know if he actually cares or is just pretending to. But we choose to see a starry-eyed optimist who seems to truly believe that if everyone just talked things over, Thailand would be a better place.

“Thai people tend to keep their opinions to themselves but talk about it later behind each other’s back. We’re often kreng jai, which makes the whole society less sincere,” he says.

At 11am we hop into his decade-old, pearl blue Toyota Corona and head over to the police station. He tells us with a slight air of defensiveness (and a little bit of pride, as well) that this is the very first car that he bought himself.

He’s driving like he’s on a mission, weaving in and out of traffic. He pulls into the police station and by the time we gather our bags and leave the car, he’s already filing a second contestation against Karun. Allegedly, Karun has spread rumors that Tankhun’s father was so ashamed of his decision to drop his Chinese last name that he grew sick and died. The first one was about Tankhun’s vandalized posters.
“It’s not true or relevant at all,” Tankhun says of Karun’s allegation. While he’s writing a long formal statement and taking care of paperwork, we slip out with K, his personal assistant, to grab a quick coffee.

“It’s hard to trust people, especially in politics, and especially when you’re new,” K says. “Everyone in Tankhun’s campaign team has known him for years.”
It’s a little bit past noon when Tankhun gets out of the police station, heading to the Ban Somdejchaopraya Rajabhat University in Thonburi for a lecture.
“We have 45 minutes to get there, so we have to go fast,” he says, revving the engine.

Just on time, Tankhun slips on a blazer and steps on the stage facing an auditorium full of students. He speaks to them about the usual­—life, love, and the importance of education—referring to himself as P’ instead of a more formal title.

The lecture ends. We leave as fast as we came. In between saying bye to the university advisors and giving an autograph to a student who rushes right in front of him, his only rest is inside the car on the way back to his office, where we get back onto the campaign truck.

We ride with the people in blue, over a bumpy road, watching Tankhun and his team greet everyone while their loudspeaker blares out old Thai songs. Despite being a newcomer, many people support him during his on-foot campaigning.

“It’s nice to see a new face in this area. It could be a huge challenge for him since he is stranger to the locals,” says Worachard Patinuntakul, 37, a Don Muang local. “If he could really turn the Don Muang Airport into something, we could start selling things here again.”

Though most greet him with open arms, one man was not so thrilled about him being around. “It’s always the same. They always come with great promises. But nothing ever happens. I don’t even know who I am going to vote for,” he said, on the condition of anonymity.

It gets dark, and the market starts filling up. We decide that it’s time to part ways. When Tankhun sees that we’re leaving, he offers some advice:
“Watching the game and playing the game is different,” he tells us between shaking people’s hands. “But you have to do both at the same time. You have to step outside of the game to see the bigger picture and the next step.” Clae Sea and Ubonwan Kerdtongtawee

Read part II of the Campaign Trail series: A day in the life of Sunisa Lertpakawat, author of Taksin-themed books and Pheu Thai's rising star.