Leading politicians swear before the Lord Buddha to run a clean campaign without vote-buying during a ceremony held by the Election Commission at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha yesterday. Election officials also took an oath to ensure a fair poll.
This image from The Nation bought to mind an old quote, filed away in the dark recesses of my childhood memory:
Beware of the scribes who like to walk about in long robes, to be greeted obsequiously in the market squares, to take the front seats in the synagogues and the place of honour at banquets; these are the men who swallow the property of widows while making a show of lengthy prayers.
7 responses so far ↓
1 Michael H. Nelson // Nov 16, 2007 at 9:39 pm
This is part of the ECT’s samanachan (be of one opinion) project, which was first conducted during local government elections in order to reduce illegal practices in elections and reduce the number of subsequent complaints. The ECT has ordered all PECs to conduct similar ceremonies on November 17 at 08:30 hours.
2 Colonel Jeru // Nov 17, 2007 at 12:30 am
That first guy at the right is looking worried with eyes darting while he made his vow! And the third guy in suit looking very pious and sincere. What is the historical record anyway? Had there been any Thai politician struck by lightning yet?
3 Teth // Nov 17, 2007 at 1:01 am
I believe it was Jesus who said that in Luke 20:46.
4 Dickie Simpkins // Nov 17, 2007 at 2:24 am
Saw HMK in Man. City Blue today leaving the hospital.
On the same day Sven Goran is signing up 3 players for Man. City.
Maybe HMK is a Man City fan?
I think this is worthy of its own topic.
5 Tosakan // Nov 17, 2007 at 3:44 am
They are all praying that they don’t get caught and red carded
6 Lleij Samuel Schwartz // Nov 17, 2007 at 5:58 pm
And what of the Muslim, Christian, and Sikh politicians?
Were they roped into this debacule as well, or are they allowed to be corrupt?
7 Michael H. Nelson // Nov 17, 2007 at 10:27 pm
Lleij: The Muslim candidates in Chachoengsao were excused from the ceremony at Buddhist Wat Sothorn. They did their version of the oath at a Muslim mosque.
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