When I lived in Sydney many years ago, I used to laugh when I saw signs on walls saying "Bill posters will be prosecuted", and someone invariably wrote underneath: "Bill is innocent."

So now we have another election coming up, not so long after the Bangkok governor election, and the streets are filled once again with those wretched campaign posters. The best, of course, is from pimp-cum-thug-cum-criminal Chuwit Kamolvisit wielding a sledge hammer (he looks like he's ready to do battle in the Ultimate Croquet Fighting Championships) who's standing for the completely insignificant Chat Thai Party. He's probably perfect to be a Thai MP -- totally without morals or scruples. And he's a clear winner over Toxsin in the corniest campaign poster stakes.

So what do people think of these campaign posters in respect of visual and practical pollution?

To get the ball rolling, here's a little anecdote of mine. Some years ago, election posters were plastered all over my soi -- including a bloody huge one that blocked my view when driving out of my small side soi. So I tore it down -- (Christ, do we need any more traffic hazards?). Next day, the candidate's people were there putting it back up, so I got out of my car and stood there until they finished, and I tore it down again right in front of them, but this time I smashed it. They went away, but I heard a couple of days later from my local shop keepers that they were looking for "ai farang". I must admit I was a bit frightened, but stuff it, every time they put that poster back up, I tore it down. Eventually they conceded defeat (I believe the locals told them to piss off -- plus I also rang the candidate's office and spoke to her about it, but she didn't give a **** -- she's still in parliament and still completely useless).

Anyway, power to Chuwit -- we need more sledgehammer croquet in parliament.

Dex.

Sign "Free Car Park" - thanks, I'll take two!

wasnt a political campaign but my favorite bathroom graffitto is in dba on 2nd ave in manhattan:

"employees must wash hands"

" if no employees are present you may wash them yourself"