Ideology, intolerance and outright ignorance often lead commentators to attribute electoral behaviour to vote buying. Having little experience of grass-roots political behaviour, elite commentators often like to paint simplified pictures of an electorate that is readily mobilised by the power of money. So, I was pleased to see this photo and the accompanying caption on The Nation’s website last week:

empty-hall.jpg

This hall is just too big: Peua Pandin leader Suvit Khunkitti speaks to an almost empty hall at the party’s first assembly yesterday at Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi. Supporters paid by canvassers to attend left straight after having lunch, without waiting for the party leader’s address.

Not so silly after all!