Four Democrats seek city governor's post

It was the first time the names of potential Democrat candidates for the post have been revealed. The names popped up during a party seminar in Hua Hin.
They are: incumbent Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Pari-batra; former deputy Bangkok governor Prakob Jirakitti; former deputy prime minister Korbsak Sabhavasu; and Apichai Techaubon, a former assistant to the PM’s Office minister. Prakob is backed by former party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban.
Another potential candidate is former finance minister Korn Chatika-vanij, though he remains noncommittal. Nevertheless, Korbsak’s aspiration to run in the race signals that Korn is unlikely to run.
Sukhumbhand yesterday spent almost two hours presenting his policy platform. He cited a recent poll conducted by his party showing that his chances of winning the election would be about the same as Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan’s – at 36 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively – if the Pheu Thai Party fields her. However, he said his chances were greater than those of possible Pheu Thai candidate Pol General Pongsapat Pongcharoen, at 35 per cent to 30 per cent.
The Democrats’ selection committee, led by former party leader Banyat Bantadtan, is expected to make its decision on Monday(December 24), but will announce the candidate after January 10, which is the last day of Sukhumbhand's term, said a source who asked not to be named.
Sukhumbhand earlier voiced scepticism over the results of an opinion survey that suggested his popularity trailed that of his Pheu Thai Party rival Pongsapat.
The survey curiously took a sample of respondents from 16 provinces without screening whether they could or would cast votes in the capital, Sukhumbhand said.
“I am certain that I will be nominated by the Democrat Party in my re-election bid,” he said.
The incumbent governor unveiled his campaign on Monday, highlighting a platform of reduced fares for BTS Skytrain and the BRT bus services.
He said his campaigning was a routine activity and was not aimed at pressuring his party into endorsing his candidacy.
“The campaign platform is meant as a pledge of action for the next governor under the Democrats’ banner,” he said.
He said the fares for the two extended routes of the BTS services would be cut from Bt15 to Bt10 per trip.
The fare cut would pay for itself by boosting passenger numbers, and would also offer an additional incentive for motorists to switch to the mass-transportation system, he said.
His term expires next month. The election will take place in February.
City clerk Ninnart Chalitanont chaired a meeting to ensure preparedness in organising the balloting for the gubernatorial race.
Ninnart reminded city officials from all 50 districts that they were obliged to be neutral during the campaigning period.
Registration is scheduled to start on January 14. Balloting is tentatively scheduled for February 17. Officials have set a goal of 70-per-cent voter turnout.