Just when you thought the summer heat was at its peak, Thailand's political climate is about to blow up as the much-awaited general election is this Sunday. But amidst all the seriousness, what's a political event without a heaping serving of memes and jokes to lighten the mood? Guru By Bangkok Post scoured the internet for lighthearted moments of the election that not only are breaths of fresh air but also serve as jabs at ugly truths.
Political bromance
It's not every day that you see an election campaign promoted through a man-on-man romance, but that's exactly what the Thai Sang Thai party, spearheaded by Sudarat Keyuraphan, has done. In their online campaign, MP candidates Sirapob "Nick" Somphol and Narutchai "Pom" Bunnag are shaking things up with a short video portraying their (b)romantic moments while pressing the flesh in a local neighbourhood, complete with cheesy inner monologues befitting a rom-com. Sure, it may seem unconventional, but in a world where politics can be dry and predictable, it's refreshing to see candidates thinking outside the box.
As the future of same-sex marriage in Thailand remains uncertain, the video campaign has faced backlash for allegedly "queerbaiting". However, the party responded by showing its stance on supporting the LGBTQ+ community in implementing equal marriage while pushing forward the Thai boys' love drama industry as one of the soft powers. You can watch the video here.
Parody campaign posters
While the streets are swarmed with political campaign posters, keep an eye out for mischievous parodies in disguise! In Trang, a newlywed couple took advantage of a poster design and used it for their wedding venue signpost.
Meanwhile, in Phitsanulok, Wakakimi, a cat hotel and spa, joined in the fun with roadside posters promoting their services with catchphrases (or should I say catphrases) like "vote meow for a better life", featuring silly cat portraits clawing their way into the hearts of voters. Awww.
Out of the woods
Getting up close and personal with voters took an unexpected turn for Potitawat "Champ" Pattanapongchai, a parliamentary candidate of the progressive Move Forward party in Surin, who got lost while trying to connect with the locals. The incident was captured on his car’s camera and went viral on TikTok, with a three-part video nano-series showing him wandering through the jungle. Despite being lost in the wilderness, the candidate remained undeterred and continued to engage in a conversation with his surroundings, addressing Mother Nature with thought-provoking questions. At one point, he exclaimed with a mixture of confusion and humour, "Who am I even talking to?!". Thankfully, no response echoed from the depths of the wild. Check out his video via his TikTok account
In the AI multiverse
Step aside, Marvel multiverse! There's a new alternate reality in town, courtesy of Thai artist BearHead and his series of captivating AI artworks titled "Election 66 In The Multiverse". With cute chibi-style characters, Wes Anderson-inspired aesthetics and even a Star Wars-themed edition, prepare to have your imagination ignited as you explore a world where politics and pop culture collide. Check out here. Regardless of how you feel about Uncle Tu, he as an SD baby is really kayute.
Memes for the Election Commission of Thailand
Well done, Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), for once again keeping us on our toes after the early voting last week. We can't help but wonder what other surprises the official election will bring. Forget modern technology, Thailand's election commission is taking it back to the basics by reassembling ballot boxes from cardboard and carrying completed vote slips on rattan baskets like they were yesterday's garbage. And let's not forget the brilliant idea of securing a ballot cabinet with duct tape, leaving us nothing but concern over the B5.9 billion budget spent on this election. Instead of fanning the flames, let's leave it to these memes to do the talking.
Do you remember the artwork "Comedian" by Maurizio Cattelan, which featured a banana duct-taped to a wall, eaten by a hungry museum visitor? The online art community GroundControl created a similar piece that teases ECT's high-security ballot cabinet. At the same time, the Japanese translation app TJGrammar has used the shape of the duct tape as one of the Kanji characters in their meme.
While the United Thai Nations party's controversial laser campaign on the Rama VIII Bridge seems to be swept under the rug, Nuatair, a restaurant/memer, poked fun with their version, featuring their catchphrase on the bridge structure.
Democracy is served!
Whoever came up with Labkrung's political meme should be commended for their originality and creativity. Lat Pla Khao's favourite Isaan restaurant gives its signature dishes with a twist on political party names. Think of “Koi kai" (spicy raw meat salad) for the Move Forward party, "Palang pracha larb”' (spicy salad with herb) for the Palang Pracharath party, "Bhum-jaew-thai" (northeastern style hot pot) for the Bhumjaithai party and "Prachathiphed" (minced duck salad with herb) for the Prachathipat party. The restaurant also displays its menu on a whiteboard while encouraging diners to vote for their favourite dishes, proving that democracy is not just a political concept but something that can be served and savoured at the dinner table.