- Channel NewsAsia
Thailand's fractious politics have largely been an all-male affair, but with more women contesting seats in the kingdom's July 3 election, Thais are facing the prospect of a female prime minister for the first time in their history.
One of the female candidates is Pheu Thai party's Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
Another female runner is Wipawan Woraputthipong, a Democrat MP candidate.
"We (the Democrats) are looking to clarify [what happened last year]," Ms Wipawan said.
A military crackdown last year on the "red shirts" at a rally in Bangkok's Ratchaprasong intersection had left 91 people dead.
"On June 23, I am confident that the prime minister will tell the truth, so that people understand. Once they understand [what happened], differences will ease," she said.
But it is unlikely Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will convince his detractors in Chiang Mai.
All around the city, Democrat election posters with his face have been vandalised.
Meanwhile, almost certain of victory, is first-time Pheu Thai candidate Thassanee Buranupakorn.
But she said she isn't taking any chances.
Like Ms Yingluck, Ms Thassanee has little political experience.
But she's a hometown girl whose family, like Ms Yingluck's, is well known in political circles.
"If the majority of people vote for Pheu Thai on July 3, I hope everyone will follow the voice of the people and give Pheu Thai an opportunity to form a government," Ms Thassanee said.
If Pheu Thai forms a government, Ms Yingluck could be the next and first female premier.
And it appears many in Chiang Mai welcome a woman taking up Thailand's top job.
A Muslim woman vendor said: "I would like a female prime minister. There are so many competent women out there.
"Right now, the economy is not so good. If Pheu Thai wins and forms a government, they can help vendors like me".
Said one Thai man: "Our country's in chaos right now and we need to make some changes. The situation may stay the same with the same male leaders.
"With a woman in the leadership role, there could be change for the better. She might be treated with more respect as opposed to a male politician".
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