Daughter of Tragically Slain ‘Grandpa Vicha’ Announces Candidacy for San Francisco Supervisor

Monthanus Ratanapakdee, whose father, known as “Grandpa Vicha,” was tragically killed in a crime that shocked San Francisco, is stepping into the political arena following the lenient treatment of her father’s assailant. Vicha Ratanapakdee’s death, which highlighted the city’s ongoing struggles with crime, has motivated his daughter to seek change through a political campaign.

On Wednesday, Monthanus announced her candidacy as an independent for the District 2 supervisor seat in the upcoming June election. Her campaign is rooted in a commitment to “common-sense leadership” with a focus on public safety and accountability. She aims to transform San Francisco into a safer and more accountable city, addressing the concerns of residents who feel let down by the existing system.

Ratanapakdee’s platform emphasizes creating “safer communities” and delivering “real results” that prioritize people over politics. “My father’s case is personal to me. But this campaign is about our city,” she stated on social media platform X. Her goal is to instill a sense of security and trust in the community by pushing for significant changes in public safety policies.

Speaking with the Post in a phone interview, Ratanapakdee expressed her frustration with the current state of public safety in San Francisco and the lack of substantial action from city leaders. Her candidacy represents a call to action for those seeking a more effective approach to managing the city’s crime issues.

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She is hoping to shake up the dynamics of a race that will play out over two elections this year after the incumbent, Supervisor Stephen Sherrill, was appointed in late 2024.

“I never feel safe and I was frustrated about the criminal justice system in San Francisco,” Ratanapakdee said. “I want to bring common sense to our community.”

Ratanapakdee’s father, Vicha Ratanapakdee, 84, died in 2021 after being violently shoved to the ground in San Francisco’s Anza Vista neighborhood.

The attack by Antoine Watson, now 25, was captured on surveillance video and became a flashpoint in national conversations about anti-Asian violence and stronger protections for elderly residents.

Last month, Judge Linda Colfax sentenced Watson to eight years, but suspended the remainder of the term. She said further incarceration would have a “poor impact” on Watson and credited him with five years already served in county jail.

Critics of the judge called attention to other cases in which she gave out lenient sentences.

A jury found Watson guilty of involuntary manslaughter and assault but acquitted him of murder. Prosecutors argued Watson should have known that tackling an elderly man at full speed was dangerous, while defense attorneys described the attack as an impulsive act without intent to kill.

Watson apologized in court, saying he thinks about his actions daily and wishes he could undo them, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Ratanapakdee has emerged as an advocate for victims’ rights and public safety reforms while frequently criticizing city leadership over crime, but her candidacy is a longshot.

Sherrill has locked up key endorsements to continue representing District 2, which includes neighborhoods such as the Marina, Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow — areas that have increasingly become focal points in San Francisco’s debate over crime, homelessness and housing. 

Sherrill was appointed by former Mayor London Breed and is up for special election in June, and the race also includes organizer Lori Brooke, who co-founded Neighborhoods United SF.

City Hall insiders told The Post that Sherrill’s appointment was a quid pro quo to help Breed get a job with the Aspen Institute, an organization linked to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has served as a mentor to Sherrill. 

Breed and Sherrill both denied any wrongdoing.

Ratanapakdee slammed the local Democratic Party and told The Post she intends to build momentum off of her write-in campaign ahead of another election for the D2 supervisor seat in November.

“You know my dad died in our neighborhood, and I feel bad not being able to protect him,” Ratanapakdee said. “I just want to be a voice of change.”