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Published on November 8, 2007

 This was for a reason. Apart from spicing up sentiment ahead of the general election, the drummers, flags, flowers, parades and festive atmosphere were simply to enhance the political stars.

The Thai-Japanese Youth Sports Stadium in Bangkok's Din Daeng district was turned into a circus as 18 parties were hoping to draw the best easy-to-remember numbers for their contest in the December 23 poll.

Here's the results and how the political parties interpreted their numbers positively - spin! - to boost their morale.

Matchimathipataya Party leader Prachai Leophairatana came onto the scene with a grand procession of 10 symbolic lions and dragons, hoping to score "No 1" when he drew for the candidacy number. Sorry, Prachai, it was not to be. Matchimathipataya received number 15.

But Prachai never lost hope. He said that 15 was in fact a good number that would enhance the party's star, because the number symbolises full-moon days. Besides, the number also coincides with the party's policy on uniform Bt15 fee rates for the electric train.

Now, let's see which party did get the most-coveted No 1. With only three numbers left in the box, Pua Paendin Party leader Suwit Khunkitti snagged it.

Chat Thai got party-list candidacy No 13, perceived as an unlucky number. But Banharn Silapa-archa said he thought the number was easy to remember.

"Last time, we received a single-digit number and managed to get 18 seats," he said. "This time around, the number is easier to remember, so we should get more seats."

Some political pundits believe the Democrats getting the same No-4 position as in the last election may be a jinx that pushes the party into opposition again.

But party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva kept his chin up.

"I'm not superstitious, and the election outcome will definitely be different despite the ballot numbers," he said.

Besides, Abhisit has good reason to welcome the old number, as the party can now recycle old campaign billboards and posters. Democrats should save at least Bt400,000 on campaign posters alone - not a bad idea.

Let's see which party received the winning No 9 that the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party picked when it won last year's election.

The number went to ... (drum roll, please) ... Pracharaj Party leader Snoh Thienthong, Thaksin Shinawatra's former-friend-turned-arch-rival. Actually, Snoh got the number because it was the only one left in the box.

jeerawat@nationgroup.com