View Full Version : Bangkok Governorship Election
Purachai asked to run for city governor
(http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/28Aug2003_news09.html & http://www.bangkokpost.com/280803_News/28Aug2003_news09.html)
A dream come true or nightmare?
hopefully Bangkok will get a good governor this time.
Gigabyte
16-09-03, 12:22 AM
Nightmare I would say... :mad:
Anything new or interesting? Candidates? Campaigns?
I guess they're trying to reach young voters by using this song, Mueang Kong Rao (Our City or Our Bangkok) written by a famous pop song composer, Boy Kosiyapong, and sung by the candidate from the Damocrat party himself, Apirak Kosayothin.
I guess it works right on the target since I've already got 2 emails from my friends (younger ones, of course) telling me about this song.
Visit the campaign website, Our Bangkok (http://www.ourbangkok.org/index.asp) (in Thai)
Listen to the song, Our Bangkok (http://www.ourbangkok.org/music.asp) (in Thai, as well)
Roughly translated version of the song:
Have you ever had this question:
When our city will be livable and beautiful
Where smiles can be found everwhere on the streets
Where all bad news in the newspapers are so short
Where heartwarming can be felt everywhere
It's all up to us (our generation) if we want to make it happen
It's all up to us, let's not wait for anyone else
If we'd start today,
The day our dream comes true wouldn't be too far
There is no us nor them (no discrimination)
We'll all live together like a big family
Where you'll be comforted when you're down
Wouldn't you like that?
(so vote for me! - that's my own interpretation :p - ttaaee)
I am probably going to vote for Apirak. I have a lot of respect for him as an individual.
Paveena has been touted the front runner in the press lately but something tells me she is going to be a pawn of Thaksin.
For some reason I am interested in Chuwit's campaign. He has made promises, most of them believeable. Unlike the all too familiar "I will solve Bangkok's traffic problem" we have all grown used to. Given his shady background though I dont know whether he will simply return us to the old days of crony capitalism or whether he will try to reform the beaurocracy because he knows how much it hurts business (regardless of their nature). Making Bangkok 'sanook' again is also a plus point.
Anyone have any comments on the upcoming election?
The Enforcer!
26-06-04, 02:03 PM
I am puzzled why there seems to be no data on-line as to the results of the 1985, 1990 and 1992 Gubernatorial elections.
Whilst I know who was elected, the results would have been of interest.
The Enforcer!
The Enforcer!
30-07-04, 02:41 PM
Sad to see ex-Governor Bhichit restanding - he must know that it will split the non-TRT vote and let their 'unofficial' candidate win!
With TRT in Government and in Bangkok - expect to see AIS/CSL internet booths one each street corner - something for the rubbish to mount up on!
The Enforcer!
A reader asks: "I was interested in the photos of the candidates for Governor. A few years ago we were in Thailand for a previous election.
At that time it appeared that every candidate was a military officer. As I remember, almost everyone was shown in their poster wearing a white uniform.
Are there fewer military personnel trying for the position this time or have they decided that being shown in a uniform would be a negative not a positive?"
Nekochan
06-08-04, 09:47 PM
It is civil servant uniform. I think every civil servant (or ex civil servant) has whenever he (she) is recruited and become active. All of them have ranks but they call it "C" (C1 - C11) .....
Indeed, I do not khow in detail, either!! But some who have worked for years and done such a deed for country will be awarded medals? or (I called it fancy ribbon). And they post them in their new pictures.
Most candidates should have dressed like ordinary guys? Why not? My answer: it makes them look better for voters. Think about people who once served the kingdom with blood and soul (it that too much?) now they want to serve you Bangkokians.
You may notice some candidates dress in shirt or suit since they have been in private business (Mr. Chuvit, Apirak, etc) They cannot dress in that uniform, that's against the law (at least someone went to jail imposing to be high ranking official):rolleyes:
With the Bangkok Governor election drawing nearer, who would (or will, in case you are eligible) you vote for?
The candidates' posters on 2bangkok.com (nice idea!):
http://www.2bangkok.com/news04gov.shtml
As for the amount of posters of the top contenders, it seems to me that Aphirak and Paveena are relatively low-key, while Chuwit and Chalerm are vying for the (questionable) title of public nuisance no.1. (Chalerm appearing to have a slight edge over his opponent.) There must be 100s of thousands of their images all over the city. Sometimes you see 10-15 Chuwits on a 100 m stretch of road. These two guys are virtually omnipresent, to the point one cannot bear the sight of their faces anymore. If they feel they have to advertise this aggressively, could it say something about their self-perceived (lack of) popularity? :eek:
I am honestly stuck between Chuwit and Apirak.
Whilst Apirak would make a better governor, we all know Chuwit would not be afraid to question and challenge those in power over their corrupt practices.
But then again the only power the Bangkok governer has is over sidewalks, garbage collection and flood prevention.
Wesley HSu
11-08-04, 11:49 AM
The Democrats are dead. Not just in numbers, but in the public mind as the legit voice of opposition. Chuwit is a loudmouth egotist who's hard to take seriously as a statesman, but he does seem to maintain a weird cachet as a credible muckraker. What he lacks in moral authority he makes up for in sincerity (perceived, anyway).
You're right, Hitesh, the governor does little and has no power over the police, traffic, or nightlife closing hours. But he does have a big 'ol mouthpiece and access to the press. He can make noise and draw attention to issues that TRT and Fuhrer Thaksin always tries to bury. Presumably a Democrat would do so also, but it could be easily dismissed as "opposition jealousy" or "politics as usual." Coming from Chuwit, it would stick better as a real unanswered question.
Plus Chuwit's dirty background means he know what he's up against. I say better a sincere scoundrel than an impotent partisan or charming hypocrite.
Whatever is worse for TRT is good enough for me.
I see someone here selected Chalerm in the poll.
Tell me you are not serious.
Not only is he a thief and perhaps one of the most corrupt officials in Bangkok (A cop with a multi million baht estate), but he has helped his good for nothing children flee from the law on several occasions (most recently in October 2001 when his youngest son decided to murder a cop for stepping on his foot).
True, democracy should allow each citizen to vote for who they want, but voting for Chalerm Yubamrung is the most idiotic thing one can do.
1. I keep hearing Chalerm has a strong "local constituency" in Bangkok... just who are these people? (BTW: I once met Chalerm and his 30-strong posse in the Versace in Peninsula Plaza.)
2. I wonder about the unlucky guy who drew #13--Udom Thepachat. Is that number a tenable number to run under? Can he possibly make posters asking people to vote for #13?
jpatokal
12-08-04, 06:42 PM
Looks like Chuwit's leading the poll here, does he have a chance with the public at large?
And regarding numbers, in many countries number 1 is banned as being "too good", with the sequence starting at 2.
Speaking of #1 (Apirak Kosayothin), I heard that this fellow used to be the CEO or CFO of Orange in Thailand; true or not? Remember that DTAC and Orange have been protesting against alleged favoritism for AIS, which is of course Thaksin's...
yes you heard right. TA Orange recruited Apirak to market their brand in Thailand after his success with Frito Lay Thailand.
Quite an inspirational character, but unfortunately inspirational stories dont solve problems.
Today I saw an official announcement on Ratchadamnoen Avenue (next to a board in front of the Lottery Office where they published the names of the winners), with photos (approx. 10x15 cm) and personal details of all the candidates. Only in Thai, of course.
So Ron, if you still need a photo of an elusive candidate for your poster page, go there.....
There are definitely "only" 22 of them (not 24, as earlier stated by TNA and cited on 2bangkok.com). The youngest one is Chuwit, at 42, the oldest one Bhichit, at 57. And by the way, did you know how old Paveena is? 55. Well, she definitely looks younger than her age, which cannot be said for most of her male counterparts. (Apart from Aphirak maybe, who is 43, but would easily pass for 28.)
But I don't want to digress from politics.... :p
Very interesting trends indeed....
No one here for Paveena, but so many for Chuwit?
Will be fascinating to see whether our little poll is representative for the general public and Chuwit really has a chance!
originally posted by admin
I keep hearing Chalerm has a strong "local constituency" in Bangkok... just who are these people? I also wonder about that (or how he can dare to compete in this election anyway).
originally posted by Wesley HSu
Plus Chuwit's dirty background means he know what he's up against. I say better a sincere scoundrel than an impotent partisan or charming hypocrite.
Whatever is worse for TRT is good enough for me. *chuckle*
I agree. Unfortunately, as a foreigner, I cannot vote here.:(
The Enforcer!
13-08-04, 08:29 AM
Originally posted by ncr
Apart from Aphirak maybe, who is 43, but would easily pass for 28.
43 - wow! - seriously thought he was a youngster!
The Enforcer!
Wesley HSu
13-08-04, 11:05 AM
Originally posted by admin
1. I keep hearing Chalerm has a strong "local constituency" in Bangkok... just who are these people?
I think support for Chalerm, at any level, indicates just how cynical the elctorate has become. The values he represents--bal-dface lying, flouting of the law, criminal corruption, self-protection above all else, etc, is probably what most Thais think of ALL politicos at this point.
Rather than try to reform the system, or become activist in any way (which often results in being assasinated), they just want a strong leader. Economic growth, a few choice handouts, part ownership of an English football team.
Remember, the Italians embraced Mussolini for making the trains run on time. They didn't turn on him until the war was being lost. After the mess of the previous war and the pompous uselessness of their last king, they just wanted somebody who got sh*t done.
Chalerm could be the best sidewalk-clearing, garbage-collecting, TV-cooking governor ever. So what if he advocates the shooting of cops? Many Thais probably hate cops just as much. How sad.
Wesley HSu
13-08-04, 11:07 AM
Originally posted by admin
2. I wonder about the unlucky guy who drew #13--Udom Thepachat. Is that number a tenable number to run under? Can he possibly make posters asking people to vote for #13?
Is 13 unlucky to Thais? I don't think that they share our western myth of Judas as the thirteenth apostle. I think their unlucky number is 4, which sounds like the word "death" in Chinese.
What about this:
KOMSAN'S KINGDOM, The Nation, Sep 3, 2001
Dear Komsan,
I have a question on Thai culture. It relates to numbers and superstition. I read somewhere that the number 9 is considered a lucky number and 3 (which can divide into 9 three times) is considered especially lucky.
Are there any other lucky numbers in Thai culture? Also, are there any numbers that are considered unlucky or undesirable? For example, in the Chinese culture, 8 is considered a lucky number because it rhymes with the word for fortune. The number 4 is not desirable because it is a homonym for death.
Pamela Tom, USA
Dear Khun Pamela,
Choose number 7 in the next lottery for it will be your lucky number.
And that if my predictions go right, you'll be a millionaire overnight! Metaphorically speaking, of course.
Without doubt, Thais tend to be very superstitious and are inclined to believe in several mystic forces that operate; however, it is not clear if there are other lucky numbers available in daily Thai living. Try scratching it off from an old Bo tree!
I have read earlier from a news clipping that in 1998 a Thai from the States, Khun Supakit Vijitchanton of Sarasota, won the top jackpot of $353,946 - about 13.8 million baht in the Florida Mega Money lottery, and his winning numbers were 03, 06, 11, 21, 12. That means lucky numbers vary from person to person, right?
From my research I have found that there is a popular Thai belief that bad luck is put on the age of 25, the entrance through a journey that is believed to be a period where one is prone to the dangers of accidents and bad luck, a transitional age that shifts from teen to adulthood. In addition, elders deem us to be cautious at older ages that end with 5, for example, 35, 45, 55 and so on for it bring misfortunes to health and safety. In Thai we write out it as the age of 'ben jah peht'. ben jah means 5. Parents and relatives are encouraged to make heavy merit to people who reach _5 on their birthdays.
From what I am aware, other numbers that are considered unlucky or undesirably unusual in Thailand are the numbers 6 and 13. When the number 6 is transliterated in Thai, it would come out as hok, meaning fall or fail. Thais avoid 6 as to avoid failure in business, life, love, etc.
Avoiding the number 13 is another one that has been influenced by western beliefs that later popularly adapted by Thais. In many big-modern buildings in Thailand such as hospitals, hotels, and office buildings you'll come to notice that elevators would jump from the 12th floor directly to 14th or shifting to 12B instead.
More than that is what may seem a silly-old belief: when a lizard makes a clicking sound when you leave your house means bad luck lingers on. That somewhat explains why farangs consider Thai culture as charming and exotic. Through its rich superstitions and beliefs.
(http://www.nationmultimedia.com/page.arcview.php3?clid=19&id=48083&usrsess=1)
I also heard that 6 (hok = fall, fail) is considered unlucky, while 9 (gaw = step (forward)) is meant to be lucky. 8 as well. Remember that crazy auction for car license plates with auspicious numbers?
But away from superstition and to some other election-related topic...
Why is it that in the poll results posted on the front page of The Nation, they don't give the names of the candidates? Instead they just say, "frontrunner: xx%, second: xx%, third: xx%, fourth: x%" and so on ........
Could it be that it is against the law in Thailand to publish polls specifying candidates' names in the run-up to an election (in order not to influence the results)? That would be an interesting regulation.
So my assumption has been verified by today's article in the Nation (New leader but more undecided - Aug 17, 2004):
"Under Thai election law, it is illegal to identify candidates in preelection polls."
On the other hand, how can they then give away the names of the top contenders, as posted on the 2bangkok.com main page?
Thank you for sending us your email. Here's the information we know you are looking for regarding our NationThammasat poll on leading candidates for the Bangkok governor election.
1. Apirak Kosayodhin, no 1
2. Pavena Hongsakul, no 7
3. Chuwit Kamolvisit, no 15
4. Bhichit Rattakul, no 19
5. Chalerm Yoobumrung, no 3
Or isn't that the actual ranking?
But I think it is, and they are just using sort of a trick/technicality to avoid legal problems: you have to send an email to get this information; the list isn't directly connected to the poll results; and they don't mention what it actually means. (Though the reader knows.)
I think this election is going to be a close contest. And even though I'm eligible to vote I still can not decide which candidate I'm going to vote for :confused:
Well I'm kind of tossing between Chuwit and Apirak.
Chuwit because he's not afraid to speak his mind and someone who can keep those bastards honest. But despite his (perceived?) sincerity and good intentions, I have doubt about his ability to run office and the unsurmountable tasks of coordinate the different govt agencies to ensure that everything operates smoothly.
Apirak has pretty good credential having had experience in the corporate sector. I think we need a CEO style of governor - someone who's decisive, who can synergize and strategize.
I hate to see another governor who promised a lot before they sworn in office and then @ the last year of their tenure declare to everyone that they're not going to do anything in the last year in office. you know who I'm talking about :mad:
Yes, it is going to be a close contest. It seems anything can happen, i.e. any of the top 4-5 could win by a small margin. This election could rival Florida 2000 in the end.
An interesting development, according to The Nation, is that in the last poll, the leader changed for the first time, as Aphirak overtook Paveena. And this is largely due to the fact that Dr. Bhichit's entry into the race didn't take away so many votes from Aphirak as had widely been expected, but rather snatched them from Paveena's electorate...
What is also interesting is that there is a strong backing for Chalerm among TRT city councillors, with the party secretly trying to force members to support Paveena, while of course everyone still keeps denying this and she still proclaims herself to be more independent than anyone you could ever think of (even Chuwit :p).
The Enforcer!
21-08-04, 11:18 AM
Originally posted by ncr
[This election could rival Florida 2000 in the end.
I am sorry, not even Thai Elections are as corrupt at Florida's!
The Enforcer!
The Enforcer!
27-08-04, 04:11 PM
I urge all our Bangkokian Thai members to ensure they vote. It is the only way to guarantee a democracy!
Although no doubt it may be a case (in some places) of, in the legendary words of Al Capone ....
"Vote early and vote often."
The Enforcer!
The Enforcer!
30-08-04, 10:56 AM
Hearty congraulations to Khun Apirak.
Good luck on serving this great city for four years.
The Enforcer!
Originally posted by The Enforcer!
Hearty congraulations to Khun Apirak.
Good luck on serving this great city for four years.From me, too. Expect sabotage attempts by the government, though.... (claiming that they want to cooperate with the governor, obstructing his work behind the scenes (see mass transit privatization before expansion; or budget issue!), and than blaming him for not being able to solve the city's problems because 'he did not cooperate with us'...)
The Enforcer!
30-08-04, 10:02 PM
Originally posted by ncr
From me, too. Expect sabotage attempts by the government, though.... (claiming that they want to cooperate with the governor, obstructing his work behind the scenes (see mass transit privatization before expansion; or budget issue!), and than blaming him for not being able to solve the city's problems because 'he did not cooperate with us'...)
Sadly Taksin has already "warned him" about being co-operate.
Hopefully he can rise above Taksin's megomania an dbecome the best Governor in history!
The Enforcer!
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