Yet the prominence of the jao pho from the 1970s onwards is significantlv different in to ways.first, they are relatively unguarded about the criminal aspect of their activities. Some boast about their ability to act above the law. Stories detailing their criminal activities are the stock-in-trade of the Thai press. Second, their role in local and especially national politics has become massive and obvious. Several jao pho have secured election to parliament . some have risen to ministerial positions and one was nonminated for the premiership. Others influence politics by financing candidates in local and general elections. It is also well-known that certain jao pho who are not are not themselves in parliament are nevertheless able to dictate voting behavior of several MPs who they have helped to secure election.