Newin urges fans of his football team to vote Bhumjaithai
Published: 22/06/2011 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Sports and politics are closely related in Buri Ram, home of top-ranked Thai Premier League team Buriram PEA and its chairman Newin Chidchob, who is also a highly influential politician.
Mr Newin has developed the football club, which won the Thai Premier League in 2008 and is currently leading this season's table, in such a way that the people of Buri Ram feel a part of the club.
The team's fans are pleased with its performances, as they have lifted the reputation of the province. Consequently, many of them are willing to support the Bhumjaithai Party, whose de facto leader is Mr Newin.
See also: Buri Ram shapes as a key battleground
Sanong Thep-aksornnarong, Bhumjaithai candidate in Constituency 1 of Buri Ram, said sport would influence politics in this province as many fans of Mr Newin's football club would automatically support Bhumjaithai.
Mr Sanong believes more than 80% of about 70,000 Buriram PEA fans will vote for Bhumjaithai
Attention is continually drawn to the football club in Buri Ram, with notices of the tournament schedule put up in public places and local radio hosts keeping people informed of match progress and other news. Buriram PEA has just opened a new home stadium that can accommodate 24,000 spectators. The facility was sold out for its inaugural match on June 11.
Mr Sanong said as Buriram PEA fans were growing in number, they were being persuaded to support the Bhumjaithai Party in the election.
"Buriram PEA takes good care of its fans," said Mr Sanong.
"Fans who fall sick after cheering the team during rainstorms receive medical treatment allowances."
Sophon Phetsawang, list candidate of the Pheu Thai Party, admitted that Mr Newin's football club would likely have a positive impact on the Bhumjaithai Party in the election.
But, not all fans will vote for Bhumjaithai because people are unlikely to cast their ballots for a party whose actions and policies have led to a steep rise in the price of vegetable oil and fertiliser, he said.
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