Bangkok poll may prove to be a true test for Democrats

Sukhumbhand Paribatra, who is also Democrat Party member, said his desire is to contest for another term because there are some city projects he wants to complete. However, his intention seems to be ignored by his party.

Though the governor claims that he has spoken to party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, the latter has said that his party had made no decision on the gubernatorial candidate yet.

Normally, for the capital’s gubernatorial election, political parties rarely introduce their candidate in advance for fear that the candidate might get targeted. Besides, Bangkokians usually make their decision just before casting their vote.

However, this strategy may not work for this upcoming election.

Sukhumbhand has obviously realised that his popularity, both inside and outside the party, is dropping. He is losing support within the party because he is known to often act independently. As for public support, the governor failed to impress voters when he tackled last year’s flood crisis. His actions were seen as being far too political.

These are just some of the reasons why Sukhumbhand has voiced his desire sooner rather than later.

However, finding a good candidate could be the main reason why the Democrat leader did not want to discuss Sukhumbhand’s future just yet.

Apart from Sukhumbhand, deputy party leader Korn Chatikavanij has also shown interest in the governor’s post.

The former finance minister is obviously uncertain about his party’s future and is probably wondering how long the Democrats will continue as the country’s main opposition party. So, maybe he can showcase his abilities as Bangkok governor.

Korn’s high profile and qualifications will make him the obvious choice for the Democrats, though his relations among his party colleagues and his management style might turn out to be an obstacle.

Most importantly, Korn would have to first be endorsed by the party’s key man Banyat Bantadtan, deputy leader Apirak Kosayodhin and Abhisit.

Actually, Apirak was the front-runner for the candidacy, but unfortunately he is facing graft charges in relation to alleged irregularities in the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)'s procurement of fire trucks and boats during his term as governor.

It also appears difficult for the Democrats to make a decision, especially since their rivals – the ruling Pheu Thai Party – seem to have the upper hand.

Though the ruling party is still looking for its candidate, its figures seem to be stronger and more outstanding than those of its rival.

A Nida poll recently discovered that voters supported big shots from the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai party such as Sudarat Keyuraphan, Chaturon Chaisaeng and Thaksin Shinawatra for the post of Bangkok governor. These three are the arch-rivals of the Democrats.

The ruling party has also launched an offensive against the Democrats.

First, it filed a complaint with the Department of Special Investigation accusing the Democrat-led BMA of irregularities in a Skytrain contract that it extended to the Bangkok Mass Transit System Company.

Second, it joined forces with former senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana to file a complaint related to a donation that the state-run Eastern Water made to the Democrat Party for flood relief in 2010. State-run enterprises are prohibited by law to donate money to political parties.

And the last complaint is related to a possible negligence of duty by former deputy interior minister and Democrat Thaworn Senneam and Sukhumbhand's role in a decision that allowed a shopping mall in Bangkok’s Bang Khae district to expand into a restricted area.

These three cases are certainly aimed at discrediting the Democrats.

Now we just need to see if this plan will work because Bangkokians are still the most unpredictable of voters.