As you may have heard, Bangkok is holding elections in May. Hence, all these campaign materials from candidates are cropping up both online and on the streets. But rather than create awareness, it seems like these campaign paraphernalia are just causing more trouble for Bangkokians.
Bangkok’s sidewalks have long been condemned for being not very pedestrian-friendly—the paths are uneven, too narrow and lined with too many obstructions. Add these campaign signages and it’s nearly impossible to walk a straight line. These huge signs also cause visibility problems for drivers and can lead to accidents.
It’s ironic, considering most mayoral candidates are promising “better, more walkable walk paths” if elected.
People started complaining through various online channels, going so far as comparing the Thais’ in-your-face approach of campaigning to the more modest manner of the Japanese.
Angry Bangkokians didn’t have to wait too long for change to happen. In flash speed, a few candidates tore down their gigantic signs and replaced them with narrower versions that are almost equivalent to the width of the transmission poles on which they are attached. Some have even opted to “wrap” their signs around the pole. Other election hopefuls were left with no choice but to follow.
These changes, however, have only been seen in the city center and high-traffic areas, and are yet to be seen in the suburbs.
According to the law, campaign materials can go as big as 245cm in height and 130cm in width. But the younger generation of voters, which make up a bulk of these candidates’ target audience, seem to think that these gigantic signs create visual pollution and will just create environmental waste.
The Bangkok mayoral elections are set for Sunday, 22 May.