VOA标准英语2014--In Thailand's North, Support for Ruling Party Remains Strong

（单词翻译）

In Thailand's North, Support for Ruling Party Remains¹ Strong

CHIANG MAI — In northern Thailand, millions of rural voters still strongly back the party of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. As anti-government protesters try to push her from office and postpone² the upcoming February elections, VOA spoke³ with voters in Chang Mai about the country's political crisis.

In recent months, farmers here have continued to go about their daily routines, far removed from the protests roiling⁴ Bangkok.

Many back the ruling Pheu Thai party, largely because of populist policies that they say have brought government services and income to rural areas.

But farmer San Chaivut says their support is about more than just policies, it's about sending a message to protest leaders who doubt their political judgment⁵.

“They said people in the North have no idea about law. We want the election to take place and follow a democratic system and we can show them who people in North and North East will vote for to show them that people they insulted know democracy well,” said San.

Popular political talk show radio host Mahawan Kawang says the increased political awareness⁶ at the local level has strengthened the voice of what he calls Thailand's “silent majority” - the two-thirds of the population who live in rural areas.

“In the past the people at the level of laborers⁷ were not involved in Thai politics. But now people like farmers and market vendors⁸ turn to become interested in Thai politics and rights abuses,” said Mahawan.

At Chiang Mai University's School of International Affairs, professor Kanyanattha Ittinitiwut sees few options for compromise in the political deadlock⁹ because she says it is about power, not policies.

“I think this is the fight for power, it's not democracy. It's divided because they want to be in power. Power to order, power to approve, power to give permission for the nation of Thailand,” said Kanyanattha.

Kanyanattha added that the ultimate solution is for opposition¹⁰ parties to move beyond their political base in Bangkok and Thailand's south, and work to woo voters there away from the dominant¹¹ Pheu Thai party. Until then, she said Thailand's political troubles will continue.