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Published on July 16, 2007

in Japan has started with a twist. BBC reports that it is now illegal for candidates

to create new websites or update existing Web pages between now and July 29,

election day.

In short, the use of electronic media for campaigning is curbed. Instead, Japanese politicians are limited to traditional campaigning by, for instance, going out on the streets, employing raucous loudspeaker vans, having pretty girls deliver pamphlets and politely asking for votes.

At a time when politicians need to connect with the new generation, they have to go back to the tactics they have used since the 1950s.

Some proponents argue that video clips affect the image of serious politicians.

The trend in the US, however, seems to be the opposite. YouTube is having a big impact in the campaign this time round, broadcasting home-made political videos to connect with young voters.

But politicians should not always expect to score votes from the messages they send to voters through the Internet. Clips posted of politicians making some gaffe can damage their chances.

In Thailand, several new websites with clear political agendas are sprouting as an alternative for the audience ahead of the election season. The new media might, at times, send a bad message about some politicians, but it is certainly better if the voters are influenced by new media rather than money handed out by campaign supporters.

Third generation

Reporters were amused to hear Chatri Sophonpanich, the 74-year-old chairman of Bangkok Bank, and his adoring mentions of his son Chartsiri, the bank's president, during last week's meeting with reporters.

When asked what BBL, the country's largest bank, should do to maintain its clout in the commercial-bank business, Chatri addressed reporters in the way he might give advice to his son. He said Chartisiri, 48, who has been at the bank for many years, should shift his focus in management to customer relationships. Chatri also made a parental-style reference to Chartsiri, saying that his son is a hard-working yet headstrong person, albeit in a positive way.

Judging from the tone in which Chatri referred to his offspring, the second-generation executive does not seem to be worried about the Chinese proverb which describes the three generations of an entrepreneurial family.

The first generation builds the business, the second generation makes it prosper, only to see the third generation squander it.

Now the torch has been passed on to the third generation of the family. Papa Chatri seems confident that the late Chin Sophonpanich, Chartsiri's grandfather, who founded the bank 63 years ago, would agree the bank will be in good hands.

 jeerawat@nationgroup.com