A `godfather' seeks legal help

Story by ANUCHA CHAROENPO

For Somchai Khunpluem, better known as Kamnan Poh or the godfather of Chon Buri, the general election has more personal meaning than for most, because victory means a likely continuing ministerial post for his son and a possibly positive bearing on the corruption and murder court cases that he is facing.

The Chon Buri election has been the focus in the East since Kamnan Poh led his faction to defect from Chart Thai to Thai Rak Thai last year.

Political observers believed Kamnan Poh made the obvious choices to switch allegiance to the party of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra because he hoped being close to the premier might help him with his criminal cases _ charged with corruption in a land sale in tambon Khao Mai Kaew to Pattaya city, and conspiracy to murder his one-time colleague Kamnan Prayoon Sitthichote.

Up to now, his new political connection doesn't seem to have helped. The Criminal Court sentenced Kamnan Poh to five years and four months in jail in the corruption case, and the Court of Appeal upheld both the conviction and sentence. He is currently on bail while the Supreme Court considers the case.

In the murder case, the Criminal Court sentenced Kamnan Poh to 25 years, after finding him guilty of paying a group of hired gunmen to kill Prayoon. In that case, too, he is currently on bail while appealing the case.

The high-profile "godfather" has more to prove than his innocence. Observers believe Kamnan Poh has to prove he still has political power to influence local voters and to put his chosen candidates into parliament. If he does, this will probably secure another term as cabinet minister for his son Sonthaya, the sports and tourism minister who is the 12th-ranked party list candidate of Thai Rak Thai.

If Kamnan Poh is still a local powermaker, his hotel and construction businesses will benefit throughout the East.

"This election is one that Kamnan Poh cannot afford to lose, and I think that he is trying to do everything to overcome his rival political parties," said Montree Yamkasikorn, a lecturer at Burapa University of Chon Buri and a representative of the People's Networks for Elections (P-Net).

Mr Montree said politics in Chon Buri has been dominated by Kamnan Poh's faction for some time, and members are united. Moreover, the political network still appears better organised, stronger and more supportive than any other group in the eastern region. In the past, it was nearly impossible for political parties or individual candidates to overcome Kamnan Poh's faction, regardless of which party he decided to campaign for.

As for Sunday's vote, Mr Montree believes Thai Rak Thai can sweep to victory. He expects a turnout of at least 60% of the one million eligible voters, and predicts Kamnan Poh and his son, who is campaign manager, will take at least six of the seven Lower House seats at stake.

In Constituency 7, covering Sattahip and Banglamung districts, Mr Montree believes Thai Rak Thai candidate Vice Adm Roj Wiphatphumiprathet faces tough competition from two senior navy officers who are widely known among constituents _ Mahachon's Adm Surapol Jandaeng and Adm Akanit Munesri of the Democrats.

The influence of the godfather has spread out of Chon Buri, said the pollwatcher, particularly into nearby Rayong province.

Four Thai Rak Thai candidates in Rayong have the backing and blessing of Kamnan Poh, but all face tough challenges from Democrats and Chart Thai candidates, who could take two of the seats.

In Chanthaburi, three candidates of Chart Thai seemed to have the upper hand as the campaign climaxed, while in Trat, candidates of the Democrats and Thai Rak Thai are running neck-and-neck.

The government party looks strong and may sweep Chachoengsao and Sa Kaew, still strongholds of the Chaisaeng and Thienthong families respectively. One Mahachon candidate may squeeze through from Prachin Buri.

Thai Rak Thai seems to have the edge in party list votes because of its populist policies. Voters said they like the various loans from the government, even if they turn out to create future debts.