Both sides win lucky numbers

This by-election in Bangok’s Constituency 12 is being held to replace Pheu Thai’s Karun Hosakul who was disqualified. Voters get to cast their ballots on June 16, while absentee voting will be held on June 9.

This is the second time that a Pheu Thai Party candidate has won the number nine. The previous Pheu Thai candidate was Bangkok governor contender Pongsapat Pongcharoen.

Yuranan chose 7.30am as an auspicious hour to arrive in Don Muang with his family, Pheu Thai Party leader Charupong Ruangsuwan and several key party members such as party secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai and Deputy PM Phongthep Thepkanjana and Information and Communications Minister Anudith Nakornthap. Also present were Sudarat Keyuraphan, Pavena Hongsakul and Karun’s wife Pimchanok Hosakul. 

Yuranan said that though the number nine was considered lucky, it was worth nothing if he did not work for the people. 

Meanwhile, Tankhun showed up at 7.49am – his auspicious time – with Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat deputy leader Korn Chatikavanij, Apirak Kosayodhin and the party secretary-general Chalermchai Sri-on.

Tankhun said number eight stood for infinity, which could be translated as him getting infinite support from Don Muang residents. Plus, he said, the number eight is considered good luck in China. 

The Election Commission set June 16 as the by-election date after Pheu Thai MP Karun Hosakul was disqualified for violating election law during the 2010 general election. The candidates who registered Tuesday were: 

1 Puthachart Chuayruam, Liberal Party

2 Paengsri Wicharn, New Demo-cracy Party

3 Weerapol Suthipornpalangkura, Thai Forest Land Reclamation Party

4 Pathanapong Kasemwan, Palang Ngan Thai Party

5 Noppadol Chairithidej, Chart Samakki Party 

6 Thanawich Palkawong, Pheu Pan Din Party 

7 Withaya Raksathip, Palang Sahakorn Party

8 Tankhun Jittitsara, Democrat Party 

9 Yuranan Pamornmontri, Pheu Thai Party 

Registration of candidates will continue until June 1.