Democrat hopeful pitches a “true City of Angels” for Bangkok

The Democrat Party candidate running in the Bangkok gubernatorial election, Anucha Burapachaisri, has announced that he wants to transform Bangkok into a “City of Angels and more” and “a city of the future for new generations of Thai people.”

A former MP and successful businessman, Anucha was officially named yesterday by the Democrat Party as its candidate in the June 28 election at an event attended by party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and many other current and former prominent party members.

Abhisit admitted that Anucha is an underdog compared to incumbent governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who is seeking a second term. He said that, if elected, the party’s candidate would be able to utilise the extensive experience and expertise he gained in business administration to make Bangkok more livable, convenient and comfortable.

Anucha, meanwhile, said that although he is aware he is trailing Chadchart in the race, he is not discouraged and remains determined to make Bangkok a better and cleaner city, where travel is convenient and people have easy access to medical care.

He also said he is confident in his ability to work with candidates for the city council.

Incumbent Governor Chadchart, meanwhile, said he will tender his resignation tomorrow evening and contest the election as an independent candidate.

Although his term expires on May 21, he said he wants to resign early because he plans to travel abroad to attend his son’s graduation ceremony. He added that resigning would free him from serving as acting governor and give him more time to focus on the election campaign.

Election Commission of Thailand Bangkok office director Samphan Saengkamlert said today that his office is expected to receive Chadchart’s resignation letter from the city’s permanent secretary tomorrow, after which the Election Commission will activate its Bangkok gubernatorial election plan for the poll, which will coincide with the Pattaya mayoral and council elections.