Sukhumbhand seeks explanation over nomination
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Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra says he wants an explanation if the Democrat Party decides not to nominate him for the upcoming Bangkok election.
“I am not worried. All we need to do is discuss the issue and the party should explain why it wants to field someone else. I would not interfere in the party’s decision,” he said yesterday.
When asked if the party was likely to field him, he said he did not have the right to overestimate himself. Sukhumbhand spoke to the press after chairing a final meeting with his executives. His term comes to an end on January 10.
It has been rumoured the party would prefer that Sukhumbhand does not run as an independent if he is not nominated.
“If he were to run independently, he will definitely harm both himself and his party. Democrat supporters will be split and the number of votes that Sukhumbhand and the party’s candidate get will be reduced. Also, he cannot be totally sure that he will be able to win votes even from his own supporters,” a source close to the governor said.
The Democrat Party should be able to make a final decision before the year is over, Banyat Banthadtan said yesterday. Banyat chairs the committee tasked with selecting a gubernatorial candidate.
Two potential Democrat candidates – former deputy PM Korbsak Sabhavasu and ex-vice minister at the PM’s office Apichai Techaubon yesterday unveiled their policy platforms to the party’s selection panel. Sukhumbhand and former deputy Bangkok governor Prakob Jirakitti presented their policies last week. Banyat said he should be able to forward all four names to the executive board today.
