Anak Kosayodhin (right), son of governor hopeful Apirak (centre), is his father's helping hand in the election campaign. At left is his mother Pattama. — JETJARAS NA RANONG

Candidates' offspring spread word, act as advisers to Mum and Dad

Story by ANJIRA ASSAVANONDA

The gubernatorial race has turned into an opportunity for the children of the candidates to help their Dads and Mums with campaigning.

Many have been seen enthusiastically distributing election campaign leaflets.

Three sons of Mana Mahasuveerachai _ Sak, Sun and Sid _ are taking a break from school in the US. Wearing orange T-shirts, Mr Mana's campaign colour, they accompany their father everywhere on his campaign trail.

``All work begins in a family. How can a governor work without support from his or her family?'' said 22-year-old Sak, a fourth-year student at Purdue University in the US.

Mr Sak said he had no objection when Mr Mana told him of his decision to run for governor.

``I'm just a little worried that he is less well-known to city voters.

``But as a Bangkok citizen, I also want the best for the city and I truly believe my father could make it if given a chance,'' he said.

As a helping hand in the election campaign, the three brothers have to wake at dawn.

By 6am they are ready to hit the campaign trail, which they do until noon. The rest of the day is for mapping out campaign strategy.

Sometimes when Mr Mana gets tired from speaking, he gets Sak to explain his policies to people.

``I can remember and understand them all. Actually, I want people to know that my father's policies are so easy and practical that even a fourth-year student such as myself can understand.

``What my father said is concise, easy and he can do it right away,'' he said.

Another child in the limelight is Anak or ``Nong Pea'', 14-year-old son of Democrat candidate Apirak Kosayodhin, who came back from the UK for a school break.

Anak spends Fridays and weekends helping his father with the campaign, when he is free from tutorial classes.

Like other candidates' children, Anak normally helps carrying banners and handing out leaflets.

``But I don't speak much because my Thai is not very fluent. At first, I was a bit shy but now I'm getting used to it, little by little. The campaign is fun for me,''said Mr Anak. Friends, whom he met while studying at Ruamrudee International School, were one of his targets.

``When I go to see them, I take my father's leaflets to hand out to their parents,'' he said.

Also joining the bandwagon are children of veteran politician Piraphong Thanompongpan, Thanasin, 23, and his sister Fonthip 20.

They make themselves available whenever they are free.

``At lunch time, I distribute campaign leaflets at canteens or food centres near my office.

``After finishing work, I go straight to my father's election centre to join the team,'' said Mr Thanasin.

Mr Thanasin and his sister act as a ``coach'' when Mr Piraphong goes to debating forums.

``I signal to him if he speaks too long, or leans back too much when he is seated. He is more careful when we are there to watch him.''

Whether his father won or lost did not matter, he said.

``My father might not be a leading candidate, but I know he's happy to do this, and as a son, I feel happy too,'' he said.

Other children have chosen to take a less visible role. Supamon ``Ta'' Huta-singh, son of Pavena Hongsakula, belongs to this group. He declined an interview.

``Ta is a shy kid. He loves privacy, and he doesn't want people to recognise him as Pavena's son,'' Ms Pavena said.

He still cares about his mother's race, calling in to give moral support.

His friends also help distribute campaign leaflets. They stayed overnight at Ms Pavena's place to discuss campaign plans.

Pol Capt Chalerm Yubamrung's three sons _ Arthan, Wan and Duang _ choose to stay out of their father's campaign.

The veteran politician said he does not want to expose his children, particularly Duang who was acquitted of killing a policeman, to the public.

``The court freed him. But the event is still fresh in people's memory and they simply believe otherwise. I don't want him to be confronted on this.''