Yesterday the official candidate registration of the gubernatorial elections in Bangkok has started, and already on the first day 18 candidates have registered. Since 16 have registered directly at the start of the registration period, the numbers on the ballots for them were drawn in a lottery, whereas the remaining two got the number in order of their registration. The registration period end on Friday, so a few more candidates may get added to the list.
Only two of the 18 candidates run under a party label, and its probably one of these two who will win the election - incumbent M.L. Sukhumbhand Paribatra (ม.ร.ว.สุขุมพันธ์ บริพัตร) running for the Democrat Party with the number 16, and Pongsapat Pongcharoen (พล.ต.อ.พงศพัศ พงษ์เจริญ) for Phue Thai with number 9. From the polls posted by BKK Mango it looks like an open race between them. For those able to read Thai, Richard Barrow has also collected the social web pages for the major candidates.
Whereas in most local elections there are usually only two or three candidates, and sometimes even just a single candidate without any competitor, the number of candidates for the Bangkok governor is always much higher - both due to the larger electorate and thus also the larger number of eligibly candidates, but also due to the much larger media coverage even for those candidates who never have a chance to win. As far as I was able to find, in the recent BKK gubernatorial elections there were always more than 15 candidates.
Showing posts with label Gubernatorial elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gubernatorial elections. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Bangkok governor resigns
At first look, it sounds like a nonsensical act - Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra has resigned from his post today, to take effect tomorrow just one day before his term would have ended nominally on Thursday. However, this one day will have a bigger consequence for the forthcoming election. In case a governor fulfills his term, the next election has to take place within 45 days after the end of term. However, in case of an early resignation, the election has to take place within 60 days after the resignation - which makes sense to give the Election Commission enough time to prepare the elections to do those preparative steps which could be done in the last days of the nominal term otherwise. But since it is just one day this time, those preparations should be done already and the Election Commission could still choose the original scheduled election day. However it seems
A very interesting read in preparation to the campaign is the opinion published by Bangkok Post shortly after Christmas.
If incumbent Governor Sukkhumbhand Paribatra resigns before completing his term on Friday, the gubernatorial race will take place on March 3 - but if he completes his term, the election will be held on February 17.According to Bangkok Post, adding two or three weeks to the election campaign is labeled to increase fairness in the election.
The Nation, Ten challenges for next city governor, 2012-01-07
MR Sukhumbhand wanted his resignation to take effect before Jan 10 to allow fair compeition (sic!) in the Bangkok governor election, he said.There is however one big cloud over the re-election bid of MR Sukhumbhand, who is now facing investigations by the DSI over the extension of the contract with the company operating the Skytrain. Its a kind of deja vu - four years ago Sukhumbhand predecessor Apirak Kosayodhin resigned just one month after being reelected, also due to corruption charges. It will certainly be an interesting campaign.
Bangkok Post, Sukhumbhand to resign Tuesday, 2012-01-07
A very interesting read in preparation to the campaign is the opinion published by Bangkok Post shortly after Christmas.
Bangkok governor, what is the job - other than keeping pet dogs out of public parks and collecting garbage and dumping it in Nakhon Pathom province?
[...]
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act, BE 2528 outlines the power and role of the Bangkok governor, but other than hiring and firing city officials, everything else is vague and overlaps with the functions of the national government.
[...]
When functions are overlapped, budgets are overlapped and very little gets done, but a lot of people get to eat the cake. This isn’t necessarily the fault of the individual governors, but it is a problem of the definition, the status of Bangkok.
Bangkok Post, Bangkok governor, it's an insane job, 2012-12-27
Monday, January 12, 2009
Results of the Bangkok gubernatorial elections
Yesterday was the election of the governor of Bangkok, the second one within 3 month due to the resignation of Apirak Kosayodhin just two month after being elected for a four year term. There are still no final results, as the votes for Phaya Thai district were not yet counted - a few of the ballot boxes were not sealed corrected and thus a complaint was issued. It will thus take a bit longer than last time to see the final results, but even with a whole district missing the general outcome is already clear.
The numbers as of January 12, 19:35, published on the starting page of the Bangkok city administration
As the Democratic Party together with their coalition partners also won most of the by-elections necessary to fill the seats in the national parliament after the banning of the PPP officials, last Sunday was quite a happy day for the Democrats. I can only hope that this will give them the chance to do their work, Thailand needs a stable government now with all the global crisis as well as the self-made tourism crisis.
The numbers as of January 12, 19:35, published on the starting page of the Bangkok city administration
- Sukhumbhand Paripatra, 934,602 votes, 44.1%
- Yuranan Pamornmontri, 611,669 votes, 25.2%
- Nattakorn Devakula, 334,846 votes, 15.8%
- Kaewsan Atibhoti, 144,779 votes, 6.8%
- Leena Jungjanja, 9,043 votes, 0.4%
As the Democratic Party together with their coalition partners also won most of the by-elections necessary to fill the seats in the national parliament after the banning of the PPP officials, last Sunday was quite a happy day for the Democrats. I can only hope that this will give them the chance to do their work, Thailand needs a stable government now with all the global crisis as well as the self-made tourism crisis.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Full list of Bangkok governor candidates
The preparations for the second take of the Bangkok gubernatorial elections are still underway despite the ever increasing political chaos in Bangkok. The usual registration phase of one week was cut short by one day as tomorrow is a national holiday - the birthday of HM the King. The elections will be held on January 11.
The following candidates have registered themselves for the election.
The following candidates have registered themselves for the election.
- Mr. Sumet Tanthanasirikul (สุเมธ ตันธนาศิริกุล), Krung Thep Phatthana Party
- MR Sukhumbhand Paripatra (ม.ร.ว.สุขุมพันธุ์ บริพัตร), Democratic Party
- Mrs. Leena Jungjanja (ลีนา จังจรรจา)
- Mrs. Thoranee Ritthithammarong (ธรณี ฤทธีธรรมรงค์)
- Mr. Kongjak Chaidee (กงจักร ใจดี)
- Capt. Metha Temchamnarn (เมตตา เต็มชำนาญ), Klummet Tatham Party
- Mr. Issara Amornvech (อิสระ อมรเวช)
- ML Nattakorn Devakula (ม.ล.ณัฐกรณ์ เทวกุล)
- Mr. Witthaya Jangkobpattana (วิทยา จังกอบพัฒนา)
- Mr. Yuranan Pamornmontri (ยุรนันท์ ภมรมนตรี), Puea Thai Party
- Mr. Thanchai Rungchinrot (ธรรณม์ชัย รุ่งจิรโรจน์)
- Mr. Kaewsan Atibhoti (แก้วสรร อติโพธิ)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Same procedure as last month
Today Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin, just reelected one month ago, resigned because the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) decided yesterday that he is guilty in the fire truck case and provided his case to the court.
The ludicrous thing - as far as I know the only thing Apirak did in this case was to follow the contract with the Austrian company who delivered the trucks. He inherited this contract from his predecessor Samak, and simply paid the allegedly overpriced contract, as it included the money spend on bribery. So in any normal case, the only one who should get problems would be Samak who signed that contract - if Apirak chose not fulfill the contract then the city administration would get sued as well.
The only good thing is that this sets an example on how the politicians should act when they get involved in corruption cases or other legal problems, not sticking to their post since they get removed by a court decision (see prime minister Samak earlier this year). So we will see a second gubernatorial election soon, the second (Prapat Chongsa-nguan) and third (Chuwit Kamolvisit) of the previous one already announced they will run again. According to MCOT, the new election has to be held within 90 days after the resignation take effect, thus before February 18 2009. I wouldn't be surprised that if the court follows logic and clears Apirak we will see him again in politics, maybe even be able to run for the same post again if the court works fast enough.
So just another piece in the big tragic theater of current Thai politics, making another part of the administration unable to work. Or is this an attempt to stop the economic downturn by making the politician spend money on elections campaigns every two month?
The ludicrous thing - as far as I know the only thing Apirak did in this case was to follow the contract with the Austrian company who delivered the trucks. He inherited this contract from his predecessor Samak, and simply paid the allegedly overpriced contract, as it included the money spend on bribery. So in any normal case, the only one who should get problems would be Samak who signed that contract - if Apirak chose not fulfill the contract then the city administration would get sued as well.
The only good thing is that this sets an example on how the politicians should act when they get involved in corruption cases or other legal problems, not sticking to their post since they get removed by a court decision (see prime minister Samak earlier this year). So we will see a second gubernatorial election soon, the second (Prapat Chongsa-nguan) and third (Chuwit Kamolvisit) of the previous one already announced they will run again. According to MCOT, the new election has to be held within 90 days after the resignation take effect, thus before February 18 2009. I wouldn't be surprised that if the court follows logic and clears Apirak we will see him again in politics, maybe even be able to run for the same post again if the court works fast enough.
So just another piece in the big tragic theater of current Thai politics, making another part of the administration unable to work. Or is this an attempt to stop the economic downturn by making the politician spend money on elections campaigns every two month?
Monday, October 6, 2008
Bangkok gubernatorial election results
Yesterday the elections for the new governor of Bangkok took place. I listed the list of all 16 candidates earlier, but as anticipated most of them had absolutely no chance.
Bangkok Post gives the unofficial results as follows
For a short history of the governors of Bangkok this forum post at 2bangkok gives the complete list of appointed and elected governors since the merger of the provinces Phra Nakhon and Thonburi to the Bangkok Metropolis.
The election campaigns haven't made much news in the English language press, probably due to the comfortable lead of Apirak in all the polls. Only Chuwit hitting a journalist after a TV interview even made it into the German press - when I read about this incident one of my favorite quotes by Isaac Asimov came to my mind: Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent (from the book Foundation).
Leena's campaign was especially ill-fated. First she fell into the polluted Saen Saeb canal near Pratu Nam while campaigning (here's a video), and then the next day while she took a bath in another canal for a publicity stunt and one of her aides drowned.
Bangkok Post gives the unofficial results as follows
- Apirak Kosayodhin, 991,018 votes, 45.9%
- Prapat Chongsa-nguan, 543,488 votes, 25.2%
- Chuwit Kamolvisit, 340,616 votes, 15.8%
- Kriangsak Charoenwongsak, 260,051 votes, 12.1%
- Leena Jungjanja, 6,267 votes, 0.3%
For a short history of the governors of Bangkok this forum post at 2bangkok gives the complete list of appointed and elected governors since the merger of the provinces Phra Nakhon and Thonburi to the Bangkok Metropolis.
The election campaigns haven't made much news in the English language press, probably due to the comfortable lead of Apirak in all the polls. Only Chuwit hitting a journalist after a TV interview even made it into the German press - when I read about this incident one of my favorite quotes by Isaac Asimov came to my mind: Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent (from the book Foundation).
Leena's campaign was especially ill-fated. First she fell into the polluted Saen Saeb canal near Pratu Nam while campaigning (here's a video), and then the next day while she took a bath in another canal for a publicity stunt and one of her aides drowned.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Full list of Bangkok governor candidates
Now the registration period is over, 16 candidates for the Bangkok gubernatorial elections will be on the ballot paper. The full list according to Manager (transcription as of Bangkok Post):
When I listed the first 10 I also mentioned Natthakorn Devakula, who in fact was the first one who made his intentions public to run in these election. But apparently he had changed his mind since then, as he did not register.
Of all these candidates, real chances for the post are only for the incumbent Apirak, the PPP candidate Prapat and much less likely Chuwit. The other candidates will only get notable with their strange policies, for example candidate number 2 nicknamed Dr Dan who promises free WLAN for all of Bangkok on this poster published in a German blog.
As with the previous elections, 2bangkok will cover the election campaigns and elections itself well, where already several other posters have been posted and translated.
- Mr Kittisak Thirawisit (กิตติศักดิ์ ถิรวิศิษฎ์)
- Dr Kriangsak Charoenwongsak (เกรียงศักดิ์ เจริญวงศ์ศักดิ์)
- Capt Metha Temchamnarn (เมตตา เต็มชำนาญ), Klummet Tatham Party
- Mr Warawut Thanangkorn (วราวุธ ฐานังกร)
- Mr Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน), Democratic Party, incumbent governor
- Mr Sumet Tanthanasirikul (สุเมธ ตันธนาศิริกุล), Krung Thep Phatthana Party
- Ms Leena Jungjanja (ลีนา จังจรรจา)
- Mr Chuwit Kamolvisit (ชูวิทย์ กมลวิศิษฎ์)
- Mr Wittaya Jangkobpattana (วิทยา จังกอบพัฒนา)
- Mr Prapat Chongsa-nguan (ประภัสร์ จงสงวน), People Power Party
- Mr Popsak Panseethong (ภพศักดิ์ ปานสีทอง)
- Mrs Toranee Ritheethamdamrong (ธรณี ฤทธีธรรมรงค์)
- Mr Udom Viboonteppachat (อุดม วิบูลเทพาชาติ)
- Mrs Vachiraporn Aayooyuen (วชิราภรณ์ อายุยืน), Public Party
- Mr Somchai Paiboon (สมชาย ไพบูลย์)
- Mr Nipon
Simprayoon (นิพนธ์ ซิ้มประยูร)
When I listed the first 10 I also mentioned Natthakorn Devakula, who in fact was the first one who made his intentions public to run in these election. But apparently he had changed his mind since then, as he did not register.
Of all these candidates, real chances for the post are only for the incumbent Apirak, the PPP candidate Prapat and much less likely Chuwit. The other candidates will only get notable with their strange policies, for example candidate number 2 nicknamed Dr Dan who promises free WLAN for all of Bangkok on this poster published in a German blog.
As with the previous elections, 2bangkok will cover the election campaigns and elections itself well, where already several other posters have been posted and translated.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Bangkok governor elections preparations
The preparations for the Bangkok governor elections is getting into its final phase, now the first candidates have submitted their application and already got their candidacy numbers assigned. The following numbers were drawn.
According to the ABAC poll from mid-August, Apirak has good chances to win a second term in office with 40% of the votes, with another 16% to Natthakorn Devakula (who hasn't registered yet either) and 11% for the controversial Chuwit. The other names listed above are spread between the 10% who picked one of these less-famous contestants. 22% of the voters interviewed said that they haven't decided yet. Yet this poll was taken before the PPP candidate was made public and the PAD started its big protests, so these numbers are likely to change.
The election is scheduled for October 5, yet there's of course the chance that the current turmoil around the PAD protests may cause it to be delayed.
- Mr Kittisak Thirawisit (กิตติศักดิ์ ถิรวิศิษฎ์)
- Dr Kriangsak Charoenwongsak (เกรียงศักดิ์ เจริญวงศ์ศักดิ์)
- Capt Metha Themchamnan (เมตตา เต็มชำนาญ)
- Mr Warawut Thanangkorn (วราวุธ ฐานังกร)
- Mr Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน), incumbent governor
- Mr Sumet Tanthanasirikul (สุเมธ ตันธนาศิริกุล)
- Ms Leena Junjanya (ลีนา จังจรรจา)
- Mr Chuwit Kamolvisit (ชูวิทย์ กมลวิศิษฎ์)
- Mr Wittaya Junkob (วิทยา จังกอบ)
According to the ABAC poll from mid-August, Apirak has good chances to win a second term in office with 40% of the votes, with another 16% to Natthakorn Devakula (who hasn't registered yet either) and 11% for the controversial Chuwit. The other names listed above are spread between the 10% who picked one of these less-famous contestants. 22% of the voters interviewed said that they haven't decided yet. Yet this poll was taken before the PPP candidate was made public and the PAD started its big protests, so these numbers are likely to change.
The election is scheduled for October 5, yet there's of course the chance that the current turmoil around the PAD protests may cause it to be delayed.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
First candidates for the Bangkok gubernatorial elections
Later this year the four year term of Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayothin will end and a new governor will be elected. I don't know if the date for these gubernatorial election has already been fixed.
However, now candidates for the election start to make their intentions public, starting with Nattakorn Devakula, TV host and son of former finance minister Pridiyathorn Devakul, as reported by Daily Express, the tabloid newspaper from the Nation Group. See also the comments of Bangkokpundit.
Former massage parlor Chuwit Kamolvisit, who was already defeated in the 2004 gubernatorial elections, already announced earlier that he will give it another try.
I am not sure if Apirak, the incumbent, has already said whether he'll contest for reelection, however his self-suspension from his duties earlier this year in response to the corruption allegations around the fire truck scandal had some smell of being a kind of promotion for the forthcoming election campaign.
Some other candidates already showing up are mentioned in an article in The Nation.
Update: The election is set for October 5 2008.
However, now candidates for the election start to make their intentions public, starting with Nattakorn Devakula, TV host and son of former finance minister Pridiyathorn Devakul, as reported by Daily Express, the tabloid newspaper from the Nation Group. See also the comments of Bangkokpundit.
Former massage parlor Chuwit Kamolvisit, who was already defeated in the 2004 gubernatorial elections, already announced earlier that he will give it another try.
I am not sure if Apirak, the incumbent, has already said whether he'll contest for reelection, however his self-suspension from his duties earlier this year in response to the corruption allegations around the fire truck scandal had some smell of being a kind of promotion for the forthcoming election campaign.
Some other candidates already showing up are mentioned in an article in The Nation.
Update: The election is set for October 5 2008.
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